Funny how much can change in a year.  This time last year Quinlan Wilhite (founder of Qmulative.blogspot.com) was filming his interning experience at street wear outlets and getting connections in Los Angeles.  Today he’s making his first contribution to fashion with his ‘Summer Snapback’ (collaborative piece with Front Line Exclusive).

“IT’S SO NECESSARY” SNAPBACK:
Frontline Exclusive, clothing and media outlet, and Qmulative, lifestyle blog and apparel are proud to present this Summer Snapback. This hat is a very limited piece and is a one time release. It comes with a numbered tag, that is also a sticker. It’s So Necessary! Available at qmulative.bigcartel.com | $33

Hello readers of IVYBetty. Sorry we havent been posting

regularly lately, but I can assure you we’re working on

getting things situated for the site and will begin posting

again in the near future.

In the meantime I’d like to inform all of those who haven’t

‘liked’ our fan page (http://www.facebook.com/IVYBetty1)

We’ll be posting photos, artwork, music, videos etc. there

until we get things re-worked here for you guys. We’ve got a

lot in store for the summer and will keep you updated along

the way.

-Michael (IVYBetty Co-Founder)

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While often times I’m criticizing other brands for copying other silhouettes of shoes that were made before they were even a brand, these SeaVees are very much an exception of my criticism.  I have very high respect for SeaVees as a brand however similar these shoes may look to such shoes as a Vans Authentic, or any other skate shoe copying that design, and these could possibly pass as a model from Sperry as well.  Similarities behind us, these shoes, made out of linen, being the perfect fabric for spring and summer, look really awesome, and SeaVees are supposed to be very comfortable and wearable, and with many other older models of shoes, look good brand new, and worn.

For the other colors visit: http://www.selectism.com/news/2011/03/29/seavees-0963-pantone-linen-plimsoll/

Often time, in the realm of fashion, or general stylistic elements really, for men, there is a major area lacking in accessories.  Is it the fact that men traditionally haven’t worn accessories such as bracelets or necklaces?  Is it the idea that they are hard to find clothes to wear them with and we don’t feel as though we can’t pull them off?  Or could it simply be because we find them impractical, yet questioning why we should wear them?  With as good as these accessories look by Jvdf are done, those shouldn’t be any of the responses given.  These braclets range in material to the often seen courdory and silk, to the more obscure lizard skin. 

For pictures of all the braclets check out: http://www.selectism.com/news/2011/03/30/jvdf-mens-accessories-for-autumnwinter-2011/

A personal favorite of mine, J.Crew, unveils what shall be seen in their collection for the Fall of 2011.  It’s pretty standard staples, and things that aren’t overly out of the ordinary in any sense, however J.Crew has the certain styling necessary to pull off often boring and mundane pieces, which then are combined with impeccable layering, and turn them into items of great desire when seen in catalog or online.  Take a look and decide for yourself.

More pictures available on this site: http://www.selectism.com/news/2011/03/30/j-crew-mens-fall-2011-presentation/2011-shotbyjake-com-3090/

As the accredited fashion designer is awarded the prestigious Geoffrey Beene Lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion designers of America, its only seems fair to pay homage to the ingenious designer with an insight to his expedited success.

Without a doubt Marc Jacob has the midas touch with an array of eclectic collections under his stylish belt ranging from sandals to satchels, whatever he creates you can guarantee two things; it WILL be unpredictable and people WILL want to wear it!

Born in 1963, this New Yorker developed a close relationship with his grandmother who he later accredited with being “the biggest influence in life” and it was this proud Grandmother that kicked off his creativity and taught Jacobs to knit. At the tender age of 15 Jacobs had landed a part time position in the then trendy and forward thinking Charivari Boutique, it was here he meet the man that world truly sculpt his career Perry Ellis.

After graduating from Parson’s School of Design with the highest honors he became the youngest designer ever to win the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble Award, the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble Award, and the Design Student of the Year Award. His first collection of hand knitwear was designed and sold in 1984 although it wasn’t until 1986 that his first self title collection was backed and the Marc Jacobs brand began production.

He designed radical grunge pieces for Perry Ellis who encouraged an influx of unlikely items created by Jacobs and in reciprocation Jacobs described Ellis as the embodiment of cool. It was this pairing that lead to his nomination and success of the Women’s Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1992 although this also represented the end of the Jacob’s and Ellis’ business relationship and the Marc Jacobs inc was born.

Two years later with an award cabinet full of accolades Jacobs re-released his eponymous label with the support of some of the fashion industries most successful personalities, such as Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. His rapid success of course led to new opportunities which included being appointed as the creative director of Louis Vuitton were he triumphed in the revamp of their stable accessory line.

This iconic designer now has free reign to have fun with fashion and he continues to strike lucky with all he touches. His extension into accessories has been as successful as his earlier work and his fragrances are always a huge hit regardless of whether he has a model appearing in the marketing campaign or a scantily clad lad from New York.

KJ x

I’m not sure if is the disgustingly dreary British weather and the yearning for a year round tan or all of the day dreaming about distant lands and warm sand that has spurred on a new obsession; either way I have been like a magpie to all things gold! With London Fashion Week currently rolling out displaying the new collections of established labels I have been digging a little deeper familiarising myself with some new generation talent that is a little less well known. I have not been disappointed.

As I sat typing at my desk I realised my rather sausage like fingers look much more appealing when dressed up a little. I was missing a cluster of stylish stacked rings, a piece of delicate fine jewellery or a contemporary costume design. So combining my new love for all things gold I have researched into finding the perfect highly wearable ring and filling the void in my jewellery box.

My initial search is for selection of stacked rings. Now I am not personally a huge fan of embellishment, I appreciate simplicity, strong yet elegant designs and statements ring. My ideal stacker ring would be individual to my taste, only a flash of colour allowing me to co-ordinate with all outfits and occasions.

This search has led me to Natasha Collis. Natasha’s signature is to work with hand melted, irregular gold nuggets which enrich a beautiful gem stones. The innovative designer claims she finds inspiration from the stunning sunlight of the Balearic’s as it dances and sparkles on the shores of the Mediterranean. A woman after my own heart!

The next stop is a delicate intricate piece of fine jewelry. I absolutely love the idea behind these delectable designs created by Solange Azagury-Partridge targeting the diamond shy ring wearer as an alternative to the traditional engagement ring. This says Marry me…

If all fails you can always replace it with this one…

My final item of lust is a customised piece of costumer Jewelry from Annina Vogel. Ingenious Annina re-works vintage item into contemporary pieces that are more relevant in today’s market. For something a little more classic, quirky and seriously collectible this is your girl!

Get imaginative with your jewelry make a statement and have fun. Remember imitation is the highest form of flattery, if you can’t get your hands on these golden tickets I’m sure there will be similar versions in your local stores. Now get decorating…

x KJ x

London Fashion week is now in full swing after the biannual event was launched by a bottle popping Samantha Cameron at Downing Street on Friday 18th February. The Prime Minsters wife and the Ambassador of the British Fashion council looked stylish although slightly resembled a window mannequin adorned by British Designers as she welcomed the return of the style limelight back to the British capital with speeches that emphasised the central role fashion plays in Britain’s economic life:

“Fashion is one of our most important industries, full stop,” said Cameron, wearing an elegant black outfit. “It brings about 20 billion pounds ($32 billion) a year to our country, and it sends a positive message about British creativity. This should be a great week for London and for U.K. fashion.”

I’m sure the crowd agreed implicitly as they teetered off in their Louboutins to view the first scheduled show.

Paul Costelloe opened with a breath of fresh air. His catwalk display was innovative and upbeat, the usually expressionless models reveled in the positive atmosphere appearing relaxed and wait for it … smiling! London Fashion week was off to an unprecedented start.

The buzz around fashion week has continued throughout. Christopher Kane has silenced the front row with his collection of crocheted skirts, weave printed leather and iridescent mermaid-like dresses with daring zigzag necklines all exhibited to throbbing beats. Unfortunately, there is one aspect that has yet again reared its skeletal head. The size zero debate is the hot topic in the British press today as emancipated models graced the catwalk barely filling the dresses designed for their waif figures, it appears LFW has taken a backward step.

Since 2006 the size zero topic has been repeatedly deliberate within the fashion Industry after Luisel Ramos dramatically collapsed on stage after an applaud from the spectating crowd and later passed away from heart failure. Ana Caroline Reston also died of kidney malfunction due to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with a BMI of 13.4, worryingly lower than the World Health Organisations classified BMI of starvation which is 16. This tragic lose and exposure of the health implications associated with Fashion Week lead to Madrid taking a stand and demanding all models participating had a healthy BMI of 18, they were the only country to do so.

Samantha Cameron watched attentively yet displayed concern as she watched dangerously thin models parade the collection of luxury label Erdem.

Chloe Memisevic for Erdem

Susan Ringwood, chief executive of eating disorder charity Beat, said on the size zero debate, “We had hoped that the tide had turned, so this is a disappointing move.”

I would have loved to have seen London Fashion Week continue with the originality it started with by casting healthy women to display the creativity and talent the Fashion Industry has to offer. It has left a slightly bitter taste, let’s hope the rest of the week can present itself with more individuality and a pioneering attitude that the glorious capital embodies. In the mean time I’m going to tuck into my chocolate bar that’s in my desk drawer.

x KJ x

These sunglasses are eye-catching.  Literally.  They force to be looked at.  The design elements included in them are awesome.  They are by far some of the most interesting and unique sunglasses I’ve seen to date.  Jeremy Scott and Linda Farrow have created something here that needs to be seen.  You need to see the whole collection as well.  Words cannot describe.

Full collection: http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2011/02/18/jeremy-scott-x-linda-farrow-sunglasses-springsummer-2011/

Via Highsnobiety

Denim aficionados PRPS present us with their Spring/Summer 2011 collection of garments.  Of course the denim game with PRPS is not to be questioned, but the rest of the collection looks pretty strong as well.  We’ll see if the brand can keep the momentum going throughout the seasons and still maintain relevancy in the market.

Via Selectism