Fashion Through Music

It’s that time of year again…graduation weekend… Even as commencement addresses urge us all to look ahead and think of the future, it is hard to keep from turning our sites towards the past as this season of transitions always brings with it a wave of nostalgia. Maybe it comes in the form of rediscovering a favorite summer dress, or reminiscing about good times with old friends. Or digging through your iTunes library for an old school jam such as the classic 90s ska band Reel Big Fish’s Ban the Tube Top! 

You thought graduating college was scary? Just be glad you’ve left the years of high school teen angst in the dust! Maybe you’re no longer “seventeen, evil and mean” but you can still be “outta sight” in a little something “strapless and skin tight.” So throw on your favorite tube top, and let’s head to that grad “party that we’re not invited to!” (We’ve all outgrown hating everyone in school, right?)

Shop Our Fashion Through Music Inspirations Now:
1. Support Group Bustier from Dress Up
2. Floral Print Bandeau from Alskling 

Ask The Expert: A New Revolution In Shopping

To round up our series on the revolution of boutique truck shopping, the Shoptiques’ team are excited to present to you, The Fashion Truck from Boston!

Emily, founder of The Fashion Truck, started her fashion career in design school at Syracuse University. Upon graduation, Emily was determined to foster the other side of her brain and learn how to sell what she had made. This set her on a six year path through the world of merchandising for major retailers. Emily has worked for Abercrombie and Fitch, Henri Bendel, and Club Monaco, before realizing that she wanted to be the one making the final decisions on what to sell, how much to sell it for, etc. 

The Fashion Truck was born because of Emily’s love for travel and dream of opening a boutique. After spending a lot of late nights working in the Henri Bendel store, Emily started to imagine what the interior of a truck boutique would look like and how she could build it. After reflecting, Emily moved back to Boston, where she grew up, in March 2011 and the truck was on the road by June 2011!

2012 is the year of The Fashion Truck! Not only is Emily traveling to provide customers a unique shopping experience, she is also working closely with the City of Boston to establish a mobile boutique initiative! 

So what does Emily think about Shoptiques?
In her own words, “When my sister and I take our annual trips to Europe, we save up so we can be able to come home and say “Oh this shirt? It’s from a shop in Paris!” Shoptiques allows me to be able to say the same thing - without the price of a plane ticket! It’s GENIUS! If I can go so far to say that Shoptiques is almost like having a mobile boutique pull up on your computer… goodies from around the world, all in one place!” 

Shop The Fashion Truck’s Picks Now:
1. Stripe Cami Dress from y&i - Summer is here! Because Boston is a city on a Harbor and weekends are spent down on Cape Cod, or in Newport, nautical stripes are always a big hit! For work, I’d suggest adding a pop color cardigan in yellow or teal, then at night, lose the cardi and add the same pop of color in a cute little clutch! 

2. Lori Anchor Necklace from Hadley Emerson -  To complete the look, I can absolutely see myself wearing this beautiful novelty necklace and a pair of strappy nude wedges for just about anything. 

MAN REPELLENT

It’s no secret that we love knee-highs! A slouchy pair of knitted thigh-highs are the perfect compliment to your favorite shorts or mini. Plus, they’ll keep you toasty throughout the slow transition from spring to summer. Too bad the men out there cannot appreciate this trend for its practicality and versatility—that’s right ladies, despite their finer points, knee-highs are straight up man repellent! 

Why Men Hate It:
Three words: the nerd factor. True, knee-highs are a component of the oft-fetishized Catholic schoolgirl uniform, however, after about the fifth grade all the cool girls switched to hose, the only ones left rocking the ribbed wool were the marching band and the math club. It is unfortunate, but knee-highs will never be a favorite with the opposite sex, as the majority of guys are looking for a Daphne, not a Velma. 

Why Women Wear It:
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, knee-highs are great because they can be adapted to any look or personal style. They perfectly compliment Cher’s preppy wardrobe in Clueless, while looking equally cool on all the kinderwhores out there channeling Courtney Love. As accessories go, knee-highs epitomize the Shoptiques.com “be yourself, be different” ethos! 

Shop Our Man Repellent Looks Now:
1. Samantha Pocket Shorts from Hadley Emerson
2. Blue Silk Shorts from Condor 

Style Starter

Unlike her cohorts in the current crop of teen actors, Moretz has taken on controversial edgier roles, trading wide-eyed girls in high school romances for sadistic child vampires and cursing preteens (in: Let Me In, and Kick-Ass, respectively).  Most recently, she was cast as the lead in the remake of Stephen King’s Carrie, and we’re expecting nothing less than a brilliantly bloodcurdling performance. 

Shop Our Chloë Moretz Inspired Looks Now:
1. Vessel Earrings from Sweet Lady Jane
2. Black Lace Sleeve Top from Fringe 

Shoptiques’ Take

One of our Shoptiques’ fashionistas asked how to pull off shorts and flats with socks - I LOVE the creativity behind this question (not to mention, sheer comfort!). 

Surprisingly, this look was first brought to the big screen in the movie, Clueless, where Cher’s signature look were skirts / shorts paired with knee length socks and cute flats!

For this season, socks + flats + shorts is guaranteed to be a great way of adding a pop of layer and color to your everyday look! Let’s break it down…

Shop My Picks Now:
1. Sheer Printed Blouse from Prinzzesa:  What I love about this piece is the pop of color, “Versace” inspired pattern and the versatility in mixing and matching with just about anything in your wardrobe!
2. Lace Lolly Short from Number A: Daring enough to try these on? What I love about these ultra comfy, super bright and beautiful detailed pair of shorts is how easy this is to style from day to night! Dress it up or down…you just can’t go wrong!
3. Noemi Lace Up Shoes from Musette: The perfect sock + flat look can definitely be worn with these bright and stylish oxfords! Pair this with your favorite white socks or black stockings for that effortlessly street chic look!

Boutique Spotlight: Thistle & Clover

Hold on to your sunglasses, ladies, we are here to introduce to you one of the most popular fashion boutiques, Thistle & Clover, located in the heart of Brooklyn. Having been featured in just about every major fashion publication from Lucky to Daily Candy to Refinery 29, Thistle & Clover brings you the best of the local fashion scene by representing the most amazing designers from all over.

Co-founders Camilla Gale and Rand Niederhoffer conceived Thistle & Clover as a home away from home. Stacks of beautifully wrought rings sit amidst vintage books and hand pressed note cards. The clothing is carefully hand picked from an exciting group of young, up-and-coming designers that fit into Thistle & Clover’s unique and accessible aesthetic.

The Shoptiques’ team had the opportunity to sit down with co-founder, Rand Niederhoffer, to get a personal story about their amazing success!

1. What inspired you to open the boutique?

We were interested in creating a space that could be a platform for emerging designers to showcase their pieces. We wanted to provide wearable, beautiful clothing that was both special and unique—things you couldn’t find just any old place. 

From the beginning we’ve taken the editorial work of our brand very seriously. We have an active blog ( and publish a seasonal magazine, featuring ten to twelve of our favorite new designers each season. Our customers care about the story behind the clothes and we try and give them that! 

2. How long have you been operating?

We opened Thistle & Clover in March 2008, so just over four years! It feels like yesterday we were painting the finishing touches on our furniture and wheeling in our garment racks. 

3. How did you get the name Thistle & Clover?

The name Thistle & Clover is from a Velvet Underground cover “Crimson & Clover” that Camilla and I listened to endlessly when we were in the early stages of launching T&C. The Thistle is there because we first met while studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland; we wanted to pay tribute to the place where we first became friends.

4. Describe your clothes in 3 words 

Feminine, Effortless, Special. 

5. How would you describe the typical customer?

Our customer is stylish, smart and fun-loving. She’s fashion conscious, but would never let a trend wear her. We try and give our girl a shopping experience that’s based upon the idea of discovery and delight. 

6. What are some must-have pieces in your own closet right now?

Anything with subtle flourishes of neon feels just perfect for summer. We also love a longer dress silhouette (the Myne Marlow Dress is a personal favorite) and adore fun, easy, stripes (the Chariot Tie Waist Dress). 

7. What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is unique. It’s the image that you choose to portray to the world and it is (and should be) different for everyone. Maybe your style changes and evolves with maturity or age. Maybe it’s been the same since you were in grade school. Whatever you choose to wear; your clothing is a way of expressing yourself. A girl with true style, to us, is a girl who dresses with personality! 

Shop our Thistle & Clover Picks Now:
1. Margaux Tank Top
2. Marlow Dress
3. Chariot Dress 

FASHION: BE IN THE K(N)OW

Fashion News from May 7 to May 13

The glamor was simply unmatched at Monday’s Met Ball, the Vogue and Metropolitan Museum sponsored event that articulates the synthesis of fashion and traditional art in swirls of silk and satin.  

There wasn’t a star on the carpet that didn’t shine, glitter, or at least raise a few eyebrows (yes, that is Anja Rubik going commando, and pulling it off better than we thought possible).  Beyonce, meanwhile, didn’t shy away from showing a little skin either (post-baby body? Pish-posh.) 

One thing that united the ensembles: the women graced the Gala expressing themselves in their best-look-of-the-moment way…each in her own way.  We at Shoptiques’ want you to feel that too, every night.

Shop Our Met Gala Inspired Looks Now:
1. Charlize Dress from Comfort Me
2. Kelly Bag from L.A. Boudoir Miami
3. Natural Ring from Tis tiK 

Fashion Through Film: 13 Going On 30

Do you remember when you were 13 and you would dream about how your life would play out by the age of 30? You would fantasize about your career, your perfect love match, and most importantly, your dream closet.

In the movie 13 Going on 30, starring Jennifer Garner, the 13-year-old Jenna Rink makes a wish on her 13^th birthday to be “grown up” after a humiliating incident. Little did she know she was about to get exactly what she wished for — overnight. Not only does the 13-year-old role of Jenna look cute in the 1980s bright colored outfits of the beginning of the movie, but when she grows up, she looks even more fabulous!

Jennifer Garner, who plays a magazine editor, looks absolutely fabulous in every ensemble that she is dressed in throughout the movie. From the sexy lingerie to the sophisticated polka dot coat to her chic multi-colored party dress, Jennifer Garner’s looks of the contemporary woman emphasize the fun and the flirtatious comedic character that she plays. “Thirty, flirty, and thriving”

Lingerie paired with the cute polka dot coat for the office? Why not! Jennifer Garner made this look very chic and jaw dropping!

Every girl dreams about her walk-in closet! Looks like Jenna’s dream came true…what a fab way to wake up in the morning!

Shoptiques’ Take:

Be the life of the party and flaunt your fabulous grown body with Collective Concepts’ Jess to Impress Dress from LIT Boutique. This flowy multi-colored dress is a modern take on Jennifer Garner’s dress in the infamous Thriller dance scene!

You may not exactly want to wear this on your way to the office; however, this 1960’s Night Gown from L.A. Boudoir Miami will definitely make you feel sexy and flirty as you wrap up a day’s hard work.

I just can’t get enough of 13 Going on 30! Watching this movie will give you the urge to create a new wardrobe every time, and what better way to shop than on Shoptiques? Be fun, be flirtatious, be fabulous and most importantly, be unique!

Be yourself. Be different…CR

Ask The Expert: A New Revolution In Shopping

The Shoptiques’ team are so excited to bring to you another amazing “Ask The Expert” guest feature all the way from Los Angeles! Meet…Le Fashion Truck!

Le Fashion Truck is the creation of small business owners and friends in fashion, Stacey Steffe and Jeanine Romo, who met at a local craft fair. In the Fall of 2010, Stacey told Jeanine about her idea of a ‘store on wheels’ and Jeanine thought the idea was genius. Together the pair created Le Fashion Truck, Los Angeles’ First Fashion Truck! Featuring fashions by local designers as well as their personal brands. Stacey and Jeanine take their pink mobile boutique to different pockets of Los Angeles, offering quality fashions at affordable prices.

MAN REPELLENT

We know, we know, how could a pair of shorts possibly be deemed “man-repellent”? Aren’t men biologically programmed to appreciate any article of clothing that reveals a-whole-lotta leg? Unfortunately, not when it involves a bold print—this season’s latest leg-wear trend. Let’s discuss why!

Why men hate it: 
The epoch of “Grandpa Chic” taught us all some valuable lessons. One, oversized men’s cardigans are extremely cozy, and I won’t stop wearing them, no matter what unflattering Mr. Rogers/Bill Cosby comparisons my friends come up with. Two, men are invariably not enamored of any ensemble that reminds them of something their father would wear. 

Why women wear it:
We hate to dredge up those painful adolescent memories, but this is one trend we won’t be sitting out. Printed shorts are a chic, seasonal update on the patterned skinnies that were so ubiquitous last fall and winter. We weren’t ready to hang up our floral Current/Elliott jeans, but suddenly they were everywhere! Patterned shorts are the breath of fresh air the printed denim trend so desperately needed. 

Shop Our Man Repellent Looks Now:
1. Horse Print Shorts from Bellaritta
2. Juma Knit Shorts from Turtle