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Patriotic Chic

Have 4th of July plans this weekend, but stumped on outfit ideas?  Maybe you’re attending a party or picnic, or maybe you’re just going to catch the fireworks with your loved ones. These 5 outfit options can be worn to any (or all) of your festivities this upcoming long weekend!

4th of July Outfit Ideas

Daylight Saving means time to get your wardrobe ready for Spring!!

Daylight Saving means longer days…which means Spring is right around the corner!!!  That means it’s time to analyze your wardrobe and determine what items from last Spring/Summer should be tossed and which you should hold on to!  You should absolutely keep any items that you bought that are classic and timeless.  Some examples are: a classic khaki (or any neutral color) trench coat, a lightweight leather bomber or blazer jacket, boatneck tops (solid or striped), collared shirts, pencil skirts, wide-leg trousers, and ankle-length trousers.  However, you may want to reconsider any trendy items— whether that were a trendy color or style.  Some trendy styles will easily translate into this current Spring season…so, do your research and determine which pieces are worth keeping and wearing. Before preparing your Spring wardrobe “wish list”, take inventory of what you already have and determine key pieces that will go with them.  If you already have a Spring trench coat, then no need to purchase a new one.  Instead, focus on Spring dresses, skirts, tops, accessories, and shoes.  

The “It” color this season is Radiant Orchid.  If you don’t typically wear the color purple, then I would only buy a few inexpensive items in this color since you probably won’t wear it much again after this season. The “It” shoe this Spring is the D’Orsay style– flats, pumps, and wedges.  This is a timeless style that you can keep for seasons to come….so, don’t be afraid to invest in a better quality/more expensive style.  The bomber jacket is another popular trend this season.  If you get the right fabric and color, then you will be able to re-wear it in future seasons because it’s another classic silhouette.  The crop top is on-trend this season, BUT it is not a style for everyone!  Don’t be compelled to jump on the band wagon for this trend if you won’t feel comfortable revealing your mid-drift!  

Take a careful assessment of what you already have and only invest in pieces that will go with these items AND can be worn for future seasons.  It’s better to invest in a handful of high-quality pieces that are more on the expensive side than to buy a closet-full of cheap and trendy pieces that will barely make it through the summer!

 

 

 

SAMPLE SALE!!!

Easter is right around the corner! Why not shop for your Easter dress NOW? If you’re a size 8, hop on over to our Etsy store to order your Easter dress for……..wait for it…….40% off our retail prices! Not sure if you’re a sample size 8, check out our Size Chart below!  We are clearing out our previous samples to make room for our new ones! Shop today: https://www.etsy.com/your/listings?ref=si_your_shop. {Add coupon code SAMPLESALE14 to take advantage of the 40% off discount}

Aikan Size Chart

Come join us at Crystal Couture

Get your next straight-off-the-runway piece for 40% off! Also, get 30% off a future purchase! We will be showing at 6:15pm on Friday!! Grab your friends and come on out!!

Season’s Greeting to all…

Well suited…

I recall finishing graduate school and absolutely DREADING having to get my wardrobe work-force-ready…more specifically, I was so not looking forward to purchasing my first suit!  I had two strikes working against me− I had a limited budget AND I was in between sizes!  With that being said, my options were very limited (also, not to give away my age, but this was a few years ago).  I remember browsing in my usual favorites at the time— H&M (this was before their abundance of work apparel), Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Target.  I found one black pant suit in H&M and one black skirt suit in Target.  To put it mildly, they both aged me by about 5-10 years! The jackets were too long, the pants were shapeless, and the skirt was too long as well. At that moment, I realized that I could not be the only 20-something going through this similar dilemma and decided to put my love for fashion to use— and thus, Aikan was born!  Currently, we have one suit in our collection— a blazer, a pencil skirt, and a sheath dress.  However, we plan to add more separates that can be mixed and matched to create endless suit possibilities…so stay tuned!!!!

The Blazer

Lucky for us, ladies jackets come in a myriad of options— different sleeve lengths, pockets vs. no pockets, varying collars and lapels, assorted lengths, button options, etc. etc.!  When choosing a jacket, you need to keep in mind your body— specifically, your height, bust, waist, abdomen, and hips. All of these components help you determine what style and length of jacket to choose.  A lady that’s busty may not want a jacket with pockets at the bust and also may not feel comfortable in anything less than a 3-button suit jacket.  Likewise, a smaller statured lady probably wants to steer clear of a longer suit jacket. And, a curvy lady may want to try a suit jacket that has a peplum because it will emphasize her waist (and, likewise, her curves).  If you plan to make an investment in a suit, I would seek styles and colors that are timeless.  In contrast, if you want a suit for a specific occasion, then you can choose a trendier style, color, or even a pattern.

The Skirt

Many classic/traditional suits come with a pencil or straight skirt.  But, many do offer separates where you can choose your jacket and then have the option of varying skirt styles or even pants.  A pencil skirt will be much more fitted all the way down.  If choosing a pencil skirt, I would ensure it has a back vent for a comfortable walk!  The straight skirt is fitted at the hips and then is straight down to the hem.  If you are not comfortable with a fitted skirt, then I would stick to the straight skirt.  Also, I would look for a skirt that has lycra.  Lycra provides more give and, if the skirt is extremely fitted, this will be much more comfortable.  The skirt you choose (if you have the option of picking the skirt to accompany the suit jacket) should be based on your body type and height.  A longer skirt may not be very flattering on a petite lady.  Likewise, a fuller circle skirt may be better suited for a lady with curves.  Additionally, the skirt option should be based on the occasion.  If you are buying a suit for business purposes, I would stick to a knee-length or right-below-the-knee length straight or pencil skirt that is not too tight fitting.  If you are seeking a suit for personal reasons, then you have more flexibility on length and fit.  As with the jacket, I would stick to a classic style and color if this is an investment piece (and, if you have an option to choose the skirt).

The Pants

Suit pants come in many styles and lengths.  Some of the most popular styles are bootcut, straight leg, wide leg, and trouser fit.  The bootcut fit has a slightly flared opening from about the knee to the hem.  The straight leg fit is similar to the bootcut style, but it a straight cut from the knee to the hem (no flare).  The wide leg fit will be fitted around the hips but have a wide opening from the knee to the hem.  The trouser fit is similar to the wide leg style, but the opening usually is a little narrower than that of a wide leg style.  Also, the trouser fit usually has welt pockets on the butt.  As with the skirt, I would choose a pair of suit pants that contain lycra for a more comfortable fit.  Also, if you are a curvy lady, I would only buy suit pants that have belt loops.  There’s nothing more unprofessional than to be sitting in a job interview with exposed panties because your pants waistband isn’t nipped in!!!   

The Sheath

Some suits are accompanied with a sheath dress.  Personally, I would choose a suit jacket that has more details and a simpler sheath dress; however, everyone has their own preferences!  As with the pants and the skirt, I would seek a style that contains lycra.  Also, I would choose a basic sleeveless, short sleeve or ¾” style with either a pencil skirt or a straight skirt with a hem that stops either at the knee or right below the knee.  If choosing a pencil style, I would make sure that the dress has a back vent so that you are able to walk!  Also, depending on whether you want to accentuate your waist or not, you could choose a style with or without a waistband— again, all about preference!  Lastly, if you choose a suit with a dress, I would keep the suit blazer length in mind.  A shorter blazer looks better with a dress than a longer one.  Also, a blazer that has a belt or tie compliments a dress. 

Fabric

If you are investing in a suit, then I would suggest a Super Wool.  These are very high-quality wools and many are all-season.  Other fabric options are wool suitings, cotton suitings, silk suitings, and polyesters.  Some wool suitings are 100% wool, but some contain silk, polyester,  rayon, cotton, or lycra.  Also, of the wool variety, there are tweed and boucle suits that are available in the cooler months because they are heavier-weighted and usually lined.  Tweed and boucle are good as separates because the jackets are usually stylish enough to be worn with other pieces (think: Chanel’s iconic tweed jacket).  Cotton suiting may come in a variety of cotton options, my favorites are stretch cotton twill and stretch cotton sateen.  Cotton suitings are great for the warmer months and are usually a little more casual than the wool and silk suits.  These are perfect for new entrants to the workforce because they are easy to care for (i.e. less dry cleaning) and are usually cheaper.  Silk suitings are very nice as well and are a little more light-weight than wool.  Raw silk is one of my favorites because it has a similar feel and look as tweed and boucle, but it is typically a lighter weight.   Polyesters are good if you have multiple suits already and need a few wash-and-go options because they are cheaper than wool or silk suits and require less care. Fabric options are really based on preference and budget.  If you are fresh out of college and seeking your first suit, then cotton or polyester may be the way to go.  However, if you need a special suit or are looking to invest, then Super Wools, wool, wool suitings, tweeds, bouclé, or silks would be your best options.  When suit shopping, be sure to look at the fabric content so that you are comfortable with the care for your new suit.    

Off-the-Rack or Tailor Made?

Because very few ladies have “perfect” measurements, it’s very likely that the suit you buy will not be a perfect fit!  If you can afford to have a suit custom-made and based on your exact measurements, then that is definitely the way to go!  However, be prepared to spend up to thousands of dollars!  This is a great investment if your weight does not fluctuate and you need the best fitting suit that money can buy!  Tailor made suits are expensive because they require A LOT of time and work.  Also, the fabrics and trims (i.e. zippers, buttons, linings, etc.) are typically of the highest quality. 

In contrast, don’t be surprised if your off-the-rack suit requires alterations.  Luckily, most dry cleaners (and some department stores, such as Nordstrom) offer in-store alterations.  If you can’t afford a tailor-made suit, having one altered can be just as good and will be much more affordable. The complexity of the alterations will determine the cost.  Just having pants or a skirt hemmed will run you anywhere from $10-$30.  But, having a blazer altered may cost up to $100-$200 (really, it depends on the amount of work required).  

If you plan to get many items altered, it’s a good idea to develop a relationship with a seamstress, tailor, dry cleaner, or alterations department at your favorite department store.  This will make your life much more easier for years to come because this person will know your body and depending on their skill level, may be able to alter your garment without you even being present!

Final Notes

When buying a suit, a few variables to keep in mind—the style and length are dependent upon your body shape.  Certain styles are not flattering on certain body shapes.  Also, choosing a suit style will be determined by the occasion.  I personally would not buy a trendy suit as my first business suit.  However, if you have multiple suits in your arsenal, then you can definitely be more creative in the type of suit to purchase.  Likewise, if you are buying a suit to attend a party or a wedding, then you could definitely choose a trendier style. Now that more stores (such as H&M, Banana Republic, and J Crew) are offering suits and separates, buying a suit isn’t as intimidating as it once was!  Also, you have many options that fit your taste level and budget!  

Lights…Camera…ACTION!!!— Fashion Photoshoots

An inevitable task of any fashion designer is the photoshoot!  There is a guaranteed photoshoot to plan at least once per season for your collections. The goal is to prepare as much in advance so that the shoot is seamless and goes by very quickly!  I have my second photoshoot coming up this weekend and thought I would share my process…

First, you need to determine your budget.  Don’t be afraid to shop around to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck!  Also, if you are just starting out and only have a few dollars {or no money} to spare, don’t fret because there are still ways to get it done!  If your budget is limited {or non-existent}, barter with the photographer and prospective team.  Ask if they would be willing to participate in your shoot in exchange for the use of the photos for their own portfolios {also referred to as “TFP”, meaning “time for prints”}. There are others that are up and coming as well and just want to get their names out there!  Also, visit local beauty schools to find help for your photoshoot.  Many of these students are just as good as professionals, but are much more willing to work in exchange for photos.  Regardless of whether you hire a team or are able to secure help for free, be sure to prepare and execute contracts.  You want everyone to be held accountable {regardless of whether it is paid or not} and this gives you a little piece of mind that everyone will show up as planned!

Next, you have to figure out the theme of your shoot so that you can convey this to your team and the photographer— will it be at a location?  Will it be a basic studio shoot?  Will you need props?  Will you need extra models? 

Next, you have to secure models, a make-up artist, a hair stylist, a wardrobe stylist, and the photographer.  You can post a “casting” on Model Mayhem or Craigslist, or you can simply rely on word-of-mouth and recommendations to find your team.  For my shoot, I posted a casting on Model Mayhem for my make-up artist and hairstylist, I found my photographer through a recommendation and I’m using a model that I have worked with in the past. 

The next fun task is to work with everyone’s schedule to pick the day and time that is most conducive!  If you are shooting at a location, you also have to work with the staff at the location to ensure that it is available on your target date!

After you have locked in a date, you have to start preparing the theme and working with your team to nail down the looks.  If you are shooting at a location/ using a theme, you have to secure any props that you will need and also visit the space where you will be shooting to make sure that it fits the theme.  I will be doing a basic studio photoshoot; so, fortunately, I only have to secure accessories for the styling!  A part of your budget is also finding accessories for styling.  I would suggest Etsy, thrift stores, and vintage stores to keep your costs low {but you will also find unique items}.  Once you get all of your accessories, photograph each dress and accessory {separately}.  Then, create a board that can be used to match accessories with dresses so that everything is organized on shoot day.  Since this mine is a basic studio shoot, one uniform hair and make-up look was chosen.  For our first shoot, 3 hair choices and 2 make-up looks were used.  Although the end result was great, it took too long to transition from look-to-look on shoot day…so, keep this in mind! 

A week or so prior to shoot day, make sure all of your garments are cleaned and pressed.  Also, touch base with your team to ensure that they have everything they will need on shoot day…and be sure to provide the location address and directions as well as contact information for yourself {or your point of contact on shoot day} if you haven’t already done so. Discuss any last many details with the photographer and choose your package in advance.  Make sure you discuss {prior to the shoot} what you are getting— how will you receive the photos?  What is the turnaround time?  Will the photos be retouched? How many photos will you be able to choose? This is important because you don’t want to have to deal with this on shoot day.  This also helps the photographer plan how many shots s/he will be taking during the shoot.

The models…you have to be as specific as possible and don’t leave anything up to chance! Tell your models what to bring— do they need to bring shoes or accessories?  Tell them what color undergarments to wear…if your pieces are neutrals or pastels, recommend that they were black or nude undergarments so that they aren’t visible through the clothing.  If you are photographing Spring or Summer clothing, tell them to shave or wax.  Many women make this a part of the daily regimen, but there are some women that don’t.  So, just make sure that you request this in advance! Tell them to arrive fresh face with no make-up and also with clean and dry hair. Also, tell them to come alone— they should not bring a friend or spouse.  The more people that you’ll have on-set that don’t need to be there, the more distractions and the longer the shoot! Lastly, make sure that they come with either a button-up or zip-up shirt.  Things will be moving quickly and they need to be able to easily get in and out of their shirt without messing up their hair and make-up.

The day has arrived— now, what to expect? Before heading to the shoot, make sure that you have everything that you will need.  The worst thing that you can do is hold up the shoot because you left something that you have to now go retrieve! Make sure all of your garments are protected in garment bags {you don’t want to find any stains once you reach the shoot location} and accessories in clear baggies.  If the location does not have a garment rack or steamer, I would suggest taking these along with you.  Be sure to bring extra hangers, pins, safety pins, needle and thread, scissors, tape, and anything else that you keep in your “tool box”. Once you reach the location, get the model(s) started with hair and make-up. Then, hang up your garments and carefully steam them.  Once the model {or first model} is done with hair and make-up, have her/him gets dressed…then, send him/her into the shoot area.  If you are comfortable with your photographer’s direction, then stand back and let him/her work his/her magic! If you have multiple models, have them get changed as soon as they are done with hair and make-up and then send them in to the photographer.

Once the shoot concludes, be sure to make any payments and confirm package choices/ delivery of photos with the photographer.  Make sure that you leave with everything that you came with!  Typically, you can expect to receive your photos in 1-3 weeks.  Once you receive them, don’t forget to send copies to those that you promised them to {i.e. models, make-up artist, hair stylist, etc.}.

Hopefully, you’ll use my tips and plan in advance to ensure that you have a great shoot!

How to Build a Wardrobe…

For most ladies that work in office settings, business attire makes up 75-90% of our wardrobes!  With that being said, it’s important to make the most of our wardrobes by buying staples and being able to mix and match those important pieces. Because you want these pieces to stay in your wardrobe for years to come, remember that quality or quantity is key!  If you have to buy one staple item per month (or every couple of months), but that staple piece is of the highest quality, you will thank yourself later! These items get the most wear (and tear) out of your wardrobe and need to be durable enough to stand the challenge!

What is a staple?  A staple is that garment that is classic (never goes out of style), fits well, and can be worn in a variety of ways.  When building your “staple” wardrobe, try to buy neutral colors that can be worn across various seasons— black, tan, white, beige/ivory, gray, etc.  Also, look for fabrics that are not tied to one specific season (i.e. virgin wools, cottons, twills, poplins, knits, etc.).  Buying classic silhouettes is important and try to stay away from overly “trendy” styles that are just around for a season or two.  For dresses and skirts: A-line, straight, and pencil skirt styles translate from season to season; and for pants: bootcut and straightleg can be worn with boots, pumps, wedges or flats (I would only buy wideleg or skimmer-length after buying the important staples first). You should always have a variety of collared (and collarless) blouses that can be worn under a cardigan, vest, or blazer.  For casual Fridays (or, at least for those of us that are fortunate to have “jean” days), keep a classic jean jacket (which can be worn with a maxi dress or casual skirt), basic 5 pocket jeans (for me, my go-to is Levi’s Curve ID in skinny and straightleg styles), and cardigans in the hot months that can go over your tank tops. 

 My staple work wardrobe is as follows:

• black pencil skirt
• khaki straight skirt
• black sheath dresses (capsleeve and sleeveless)
• black The Limited slacks (bootcut, wideleg, and slim/ankle length)
• pinstripe slacks (both are bootcut— grey pinstripe and brown pinstripe)
• khaki pants (both pairs are khaki tan color—straightleg and slim/ankle length)
• collared long-sleeve button-up shirts (white, black, white with navy blue stripes, and light pink)
• basic long-sleeve cotton cardigans (white, black, dark pink, chocolate, tan, and teal)
• black peplum blazer (cotton twill so that it can be worn across several seasons)
• print thin lapel blazer (again, cotton twill)
• 3 pairs of black leather pumps (peep-toe pair, platform pair, pointy-toe pair, round-toe pair, and slingback pair)
• 1 black leather tote bag
• 1 brown canvas tote bag
• 1 silver and white face watch with black leather band
• 1 gold bracelet watch
• Stud earrings (oversized white pearls, silver balls, and gold balls)

I have listed my wardrobe as an example to give you an idea of simple (but basic) items that can be worn season after season for years to come! I have also listed some pieces below to give you a starting point! 

Inspiration— Working on the Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

At home one Saturday night, settling into my sofa with remote control in hand, I come across TCM (Turner Classic Movies) channel.  Intrigued by the movie’s title “Bachelor Mother”, I decide to watch it.  It turns out that not only is Ginger Rogers (a famed actress who starred in many films throughout her long career) starring in the movie, but the storyline is entertaining! The movie was released in 1939, and the fashion and style were amazing!  Ginger wore some of the chicest pieces that I’ve seen to-date.  I’ve attached some screenshots below to give you a glance of her incredible wardrobe!!  

I have always been a lover of vintage fashion and frequently shop at local vintage stores for pieces to add to my own wardrobe.  I love vintage blouses, blazers, coats, costume jewelry, gloves, and hats!  Not only do I like to wear these items, but I also like to see how they are constructed.  So, it’s only natural that my collections are inspired by vintage fashions.  I love the details, the quality (and durability), and silhouettes of fashions from the 1930s-1950s.  I think it’s quite impressive how well-made clothing was back then…especially compared to the quality of the “fast fashion” of today that falls apart after one or two washes! Also, I love the pride in appearance that women had back then— always leaving the house with their hair and make-up done…and, always dressed to impress!

The primary inspiration for my upcoming Spring/Summer 2014 collection is the polished and classic style that was seen in the movie.  The tailoring was impeccable and the ladies looked ultra-stylish and chic. There were lots of classic styles that had slight embellishments that provided that extra “umph”…like the oversized toggle button on one of Ginger’s pieces.  It’s nice to have an added bonus to take your outfit from “blah” to fabulous, and many of Ginger’s  pieces had that extra appeal. 

Also, Spring is in full swing here in DC with lots of light blue skies, canary yellow flowers, and pale pink cherry blossom trees— leaving me inspired by the pretty pastel colors.  The collection’s color palette was inspired by both the early signs of spring and one of the colorways of our custom fabric. The pieces will be created in high-quality cotton and cotton blend fabrics.   

There’s nothing like a nice outfit to boost your mood and confidence, and Aikan is all about offering clothing that evokes this same sentiment and also flatters your curves!  The lady that will be drawn to my collection is one that has an office job and a busy calendar, likes to splurge on high-quality pieces that will compliment other items in her wardrobe, and likes classic pieces that will be worn season after season! Sneak peak pictures of the upcoming collection will be on our website soon!!!