Molly Bloom knows style

Legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland famously advised women to turn wornout overcoats into robes in the 1930s. When people ask if I incorporate used or vintage items into my projects, I tell them it’s not too often. My creative eye doesn’t see the the robe in the overcoat. Over at BurdaStyle there’s a handy blog post about using some of the free and downloadable patterns to make recycled creations.

I have some striped Tod Oldham for Target sheets that would do nicely for the Charlie bag pattern. Using a broken umbrella for lining fabric is an interesting trick and the ruffly sweatshirt-oven mitts are adorable.

More recycle crafting: a how-to video featuring Amy Sedaris & Todd Oldham decoupaging tiny tables with old giftwrap. My friend Polly uses vintage porn to cover stuff (tables, chairs, clocks) but you can decoupage anything. Use ModPodge!

Who can afford $300 sunglasses when it costs $75 to fill up the tank? I’ve had my eye on these Chloe stunnas for months now and the price hasn’t budged — only the worst, what-were-they-thinking designer sunglasses go on sale. I bought this pair from Anthropologie — the shape is similar enough, the lenses are light and gradated, the frames are beige. They aren’t as fab as the Chloe pair but they aren’t trying to be. The rose-tinted lenses are a treat. They feel a bit brittle and probably aren’t too durable but they are the closest I’m getting to Chloe for now. And they’re on sale at the downtown San Francisco location for $10.

There are safety pins in all my purses. If it’s been carried to a wedding, it’s got pins inside. I don’t even have to double-check anymore, although I do, because what if there were a fashion emergency? I am occasionally called to duty at functions, helping with slipped hems or bursting necklines.

These multi-colored pins are a great idea. I’ve seen metallic colored pins at the fabric store but never had a need for iridescent jade. I imagine the black pins will be big sellers. A nice companion to Hollywood Fashion Tape in your beauty tackle box.

Promise me you’ll be careful pinning; I usually try tape first if the fabric is thin, sheer or silky. Always use the smallest pin you can find.

The Jovovich-Hawk for Target beach cover-up doubles as a clown robe. I may also wear it over a black slip-dress in warmer weather. I’m taking it to France so I can wear it while I do my toilette like a fancy French lady. I’m not sure if I’ll wear it on the beach this summer; it’s made of nylon, which doesn’t scream sun ‘n’ fun to me.

The cover-up must have sold like beer on St. Patrick’s Day because it’s off Target’s website; check in stores.

Excitement! Jovovich-Hawk is designing the next Target GO International collection. I’ve written about my love of Jovovich-Hawk previously. They use vintage fabrics and retro styles and show their lines in alternative settings. For a preview of their mass-market looks, go here. Check out Look 18 and contrast with this number from their Spring 2007 line. Yes!

Jovovich-Hawk for GO International Target hits stores March 8.

It’s all in the construction.

The Wall Street Journal examines couture and mass-market clothes in this short online video. Obviously the quality of the fabric is an issue. The way a sleeve is set can be a tip-off as well as the quality of the buttonholes.
(via FashionAddict)

PS to Vera Wang: I call bullshit on shoddy construction being a design element.

Vera Wang’s line for Kohl’s went on sale today. Cute stuff. And lots of stuff — lingerie, outerwear, shoes, accessories, home deco and apparel. The shirred jacket I like is sold out in my size, but it’s an acrylic blend. Suspicious. But these are cute clothes, affordable and very office appropriate. I like.

Christian Lacroix has joined the ranks of luxury designers doing mass-market, ready-to-wear for a major retailer, in this case French company La Redoute. The clothes are far cheaper than Lacroix’s usual creations but are more expensive than other low-end mass lines. The trench coat pictured above is $299, but you can channel your best Eddy from AbFab and shout “Lacroix, sweetie! Lacroix!” when anyone compliments it.

As promised, here’s some of my booty from the Libertine line for Target, the trench coat in admiral blue. I like it all right, and for $40 I almost love it. My favorite detail: the three oversize buttons at the cuff. As for the ridiculous posturing, if you’re going to shoot fashion pics on your laptop iPhoto camera, you better work it.

Target’s latest GO: Designer line has launched, this time by Libertine.

This collection feels like two collections, one for juniors and one for fashion-forward women who mix high and low fashion. Lots of skulls and preppy prints here that smell a bit past their sell-by date. Some of the less junior-y pieces have potential. This dress is the best seller. I like the mini bolero pictured above but hate the pants. The striped blouse with a bow is cute. I’m not telling you what I ordered.