Photos: Out Magazine

Michelle Madonna, in a cotton vintage floral print button up (True Religion), stone washed denim shorts  (LF), and brown suede sandals (Sam Edelman).

Yours truly from FashionIndie,  in oversized sunglasses (Gucci), vintage wash tank top (True Religion), white denim cut offs (Abercrombie).

Renee from Denim Therapy balances our her cuffed denim shorts (Banana Republic) with a cotton print button up (True Religion) and a pop of bold orange lipstick (NARS Heat Wave).

We have always loved Banana Republic here at Fashion Indie and this Spring collection is helping reinforce our opine of the brand.

The Spring 2011 campaign, dubbed “Journey in Style,” is inspired by the brand’s heritage of discovery. Drawing on the themes of exploration, travel, and the classic American road trip. The campaign was shot against the stunning backdrop of the Vasquez Rocks, one of Southern California’s most famous geologic wonders and features Banana Republic product that is modern, effortless, and full of style.

Bernadine Bibiano has emerged as one of the world’s most preeminent make-up artists for her provocative and breathtaking approach to make-up. Her work has been featured in countless magazines, including Elle , Harper’s Bazaar , Marie Claire and Vogue , and she has worked on ad campaigns for … more

Join Lookbooks. The Professional Fashion Network. Fashion News and more at LookBooks.com.

]]> http://fashionindie.com/ones-to-know-bernadine-bibiano-make-up-artist/feed/ 0 http://fashionindie.com/get-a-natural-carefree-look-from-rodney-cutler/ http://fashionindie.com/get-a-natural-carefree-look-from-rodney-cutler/#comments Thu, 28 Oct 2010 05:13:18 +0000 Marissa Moshell, Student http://fashionindie.com/?p=170250

Rodney Cutler sure was busy yesterday as he created a number of hairstyles for the Banana Republic Spring/Summer 2011 show. Featuring a “natural, carefree” look, the models adorned a textured pony as they strutted down the runway. Rodney wants to make sure anyone can wear the look that these girls did.

First, you spray hairspray all over towel-dried hair and twist sections of the hair while you rough dry. Next, create a side part and pull your hair into a loose ponytail to secure with a small elastic band the same color of your hair. Finally, slightly pull out a few pieces near the top of your head to give the look some height and spray Redken 08 Wool Shake in pony. Then your ready for the runway or just a casual day out and around town!

LINK LOVE:Shawl Collar Blazer

Become a FashionIndie.com contributor. Subscribe to Envy.

Banana Republic has teamed with renowned jewelry designer, Chan Luu, to create a collection of limited-edition bracelets, which launch exclusively on May 20 at Banana Republic’s San Francisco accessories-only store, Edition by Banana Republic. This is the first time Banana Republic has worked with a jewelry designer to create an special collection. Keep reading…

From the press release:

The collection showcases Chan Luu’s signature wrap style, which brings together custom-dyed thread or leather with unique semi-precious stones, gold or sterling silver. The 17-piece collection consists of four different styles in a range of colors. The bracelets will cost from $95 to $225.

The collection will be sold exclusively at Edition and will debut at an event honoring the store’s one-year anniversary. It will then be rolled out to select stores and online in the U.S., Canada and Japan beginning August 10.

“We are thrilled to announce our first partnership with a world-class jewelry designer,” said Simon Kneen, Creative Director and EVP of Design. “I’m excited to offer Banana Republic customers Chan Luu’s signature interpretation of Banana Republic’s effortless style aesthetic. Our brand is a great destination for jewelry so this adds a little something special into our already-exciting fall jewelry collection.”

Chan Luu comments, “It is such a pleasure for me to collaborate with Banana Republic, a classic brand whose timeless collections provide the perfect canvas for my own. What makes our partnership even more extraordinary is our shared belief in celebrating the power of personal expression.”

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: GQ

We’re not usually the ones to talk about developments at Banana Republic, but when they invited us to attend a blogger breakfast to check out their new collection of Premium Denim, we figured it was time to bury our metaphorical hatchet and head over to their new Soho Outpost. We were in for a surprise.

When I first arrived at the store I was expecting the Banana Basics, khakis, suiting and zero frills wardrobe staples. What I found was an array of great trend current must-haves and a fresh series of denim in figure flattering cuts and washes. Gone were was the stoggyness that always made me think of Banana Republic as the spot to head to for Casual Friday attire, now there was life and excitement to the space.

The womens denim was a definite highlight with a bunch of new styles which were designed to please a various body types. The new Slouchy Skinny jeans are ideal for women looking for a fitted leg with more room in the butt. Becks tried on a pair, but settled with a Curvy Boot, that hugged her curves perfectly and forgivingly let her tick one full size off her belt.

Basics were still on the menu, but a mix of lux was added to pieces. Cashmere/cotton blended crewnecks, silk tops and must have accessories all added a much needed update to the Banana Republic brand. The mens section was also completely changed with more of a focus on stylish fashion pieces for a more refined New Yorker. Jackets were fitted and offered a stylish cut that really made certain looks present themselves as a fresh alternative to prep and Club Monaco’s metropolitan black & white offerings.

Some added perks to the new Banana Republic Monogram store is an in-store stylist. Our stylist was the uber informative Genelle Franklin (pictured above) who walked us through the store and helped pair Becks jeans with a pair of matching accessories including a great pair of heels, top and necklace. Additionally, a concierge will be added to each store in the spring, to give shoppers extra perks like discounted theater tickets, restaurant reservations and general must head to spots in NYC.

Personally, I feel this visit resparked my interest in Banana Republic, not only cause it’s a great place for denim, but cause it’ll soon become a must-shop resource for out-of-towners in Soho.

Now all we need is a great designer/celebrity collaboration and I think we’ve got ourselves a brand new fave destination.

Dresses with pockets have been around for years and seem to be a trend that will succeed for a long time. Women have adorned both elegant and simple dresses, and taken it up a notch in some way shape or form. First, notice the additional dimensions added by pockets in this dress from Gucci Spring 2010.

What makes dresses with pockets so special? What secret does your left hand hold while the other graciously holds a glass of champagne? I’ll leave that to your imagination, even though the image may appear dull. These pockets are more like an accessory. Some may put their keys, Metrocard, lipstick, etc. This way only a small clutch is needed that day when going to catch a quick film or a light picnic lunch with a beau. However, many do not even place their hands in these convenient warmers. If you aren’t to place your hands in these delicate slits then what should they be used for? Simply put, they add to the look of the dress.

Many designers have been using the concept of pockets with their designs, by either making them direct and apparent, or just making them blend casually. Dresses with pockets can be in the halter, tube, one-shoulder, strapped style, and many more. Here are some affordable choices and top designer favorites.

Here we have the “Monogram Lace-Print” dress from Banana Republic. This dress is 100% silk. This is an excellent everyday piece that does not need to be dressed up. Price, $149.

“Button-Down Day Dress” by Christian Dior. This belted navy blue dress with white polka dots is perfect for the office. It is available at Neiman Marcus for $2,690.

This Collette Dinnigan dress is from her Spring 2010 Collection. It is a more elegant choice than the above featured pieces. This dress would be most appropriate for a gala or special event.

Our last dress is by French Connection. It is a piper cotton dress. This is a cute little number that could be worn at any cocktail party. Available at 6pm.com for $106.80.

What will you be hiding in your pockets?

By Saira Toppin

Link Love: Women’s Mafia

To say I was impressed by Banana’s spring/summer collection would be an overstatement. Yet what it lacks in originality it makes up for in breezy classics that exude that effortless style. That aesthetic is best expressed in variated denim with deconstructed finishes and streamlined fits,  lightweight khaki in the form of slim cargo skirts and culottes, boyfriend blazers, and versatile  materials like japanese silk and organic cotton.

The relaxed vibe is also prevalent throughout the accessories: leather cross-body bags, heeled wooden clogs, suede desert boots and boat shoes. It’s a collection that definitely reads “refined American sportswear”, and is something I would look forward to wearing once spring comes back around. Although I would’ve like to see something more progressive, Banana does what it does best–trendy, modern classics that are easily intergratable into any wardrobe.

Rumor has it that Hyden Yoo will do a collaboration collection with Urban Outfitters in Nov, but for now, he has released his Fall 09 collection. With many variations of the blazer, and a few gingham button downs, there will be much to choose from. A clean and sleek look, much like a J.Crew or Banana, yet with many more details and better colors.

LINKAGE: The Pipeline

This spring, denim is the new black. We’ve seen destroyed denim cut-off shorts and boyfriend jeans make it big, but possibly the trendiest look for the season is denim on top. Ever since I saw Corey rock out his denim vest last summer, I’ve been pretty optimistic about this look, but denim vests are just the beginning. The spring season forecasts denim blazers, tank-tops, tuxedo button ups and tee-shirt dresses. While light-wash and destroyed pieces are all the go for the fall, I wouldn’t be too surprised if sleek, dark-washes continue into the chillier months. 

If you’re a bit apprehensive that this look might make you look like an 80′s rocker or worse, red-neck trailer trash, take a look at some of styling ideas from the Spring 2009 runways. Givenchy, Louis Vuitton and even Banana Republic know what’s up! 

Thanks Elle! Main photo courtesy of LF! 

J. Crew has decided to launch a jewelry line to help with sales in this time of recession. The brand’s vision is filled with crystal-encrusted rings, glass bead necklaces and chain link bangles. In my opinion, the pieces look very similar to Banana Republic’s, but the quality and design appears to be top notch. And with many of the pieces costing under 100 bones, it’s extremely affordable.

Plait Cheek Fedora by Alpinestars ($36)

Ah ha! I spot a straw hat (as seen in the Coco Chanel documentary!) ready for winter! So it might be a season early for a hat like this, but pair it with a cute layered black outfit and you’ll look stunning!

Leather-Trim Cable Knit Glove by Banana Republic ($39)

If you’re going for a more classy look, pair these gloves with a nice black sweater and a sleek black coat. They might be a bit preppy but the leather trim erases the “blah” from the typical cable-knit glove.

Spalding Avenue Scarf by Mike and Chris ($98)

I don’t know about you, but I’m loving the trend of breaking fashion rule #3 and actually wearing black and brown together. I recently bought a pair of black and brown leather boots and despite it’s masculinity, this scarf would look killer with them!

Teo Hat by Theory ($95)

They might be everywhere, but I love the saggy knit hats. Worn slouched off the back of your head, this hat is a nice alternative to the winter beanie hat. Make sure you pair it with a good outfit or else you’re going to blend in with the rest of the hipster population.

Felt Fedora with Grogorian Ribbon Trim by Hat Attack ($98)

Hands down my favorite. Who needs a traditional fedora when you can have one decked out in felt. Wear it inside. Wear it outside. Just wear it…it rocks. 

Thanks Shop-A-Matic!