“I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.” Yves Saint Laurent (1)

Today in 1873, men’s work jeans became more adequately assembled due to Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis’ approval of a patent for jeans with copper rivets. Levi Strauss’ business, Levi Strauss & Co., was a wholesale business that was comprised of imported goods such as jeans, bedding, clothing, handkerchiefs, purses and even combs.

Levi’s saw a strong surge of popularity in the ‘50s and ‘60s with the help of the greasers, hippies, rockers and mods that took jeans from blue collar workers and changed them into something for young adults. The copper rivets that started it all are now a standard in most jeans for fashion and function, sometimes being replaced by jewels or embroidery.

Written by MaryKate Guidry, Marketing Intern at Stylitics.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

“To respect the rights of the State governments is the inviolable duty of that of the Union; the government of every State will feel its own obligation to respect and preserve the rights of the whole.” President John Quincy Adams (1)

Despite his best intentions to preserve the power of state governments, President John Quincy Adams signed the Tariff of 1828 on May 19^th, protecting American wool manufacturers who felt great pressure from British competition and flaunting the federal government’s power over the states.

Otherwise known as the Tariff of Abominations, it faced opposition from the cotton planters of the South who liked being able to procure foreign goods at cheap rates. The negative response to the Tariff would eventually lead to the Nullification Crisis, thus widening the divide and heightening tensions between the North and South.

Although a lot of citizens originally resented it, the Tarriff allowed for the American wool market to expand to new heights. Wool is a highly prized material in textiles, especially Merino wool which is often regarded as the finest wool in the world. Now, wool is produced in all fifty states. Since it is of a higher tier than many other countries and easily sourced, local designers find it easy to take advantage of this material and manufacture woolen goods.

Written by Caroline Young, Stylitics Ambassador from University of California, Berkeley.

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

“Be reckless enough to gamble all or nothing, to follow your dreams.” John Galliano (1)

Today in 2005, British fashion designer John Galliano created the most expensive trousers in London – a one-off pair of black suede, Swarovski crystal skull-adorned, satin-lined trousers signed by the man himself.

“We launched Galliano’s menswear for autumn/winter 2004-5 and decided that men wanted something really special this season – something with provenance,” says Richard Gray, press manager at Harvey Nichols. “These trousers are a real investment piece for a true Galliano fan. And they’d look equally as sexy on a woman as a man.”

The pair had gone on sale for £8,580 at Harvey Nichols in London, and according to one of the store’s salesmen, “We have had a lot of interest in them so far but it’s going to take the right budget – and the right body.”

Famous for his whimsical, outrageous designs, John Galliano headed the French haute couture houses, Givenchy and Christian Dior. Today, he is known to have created some of fashion’s most famous collections, including the Blanche Dubois in October 2008, inspired by the 1951 film A Streetcar Named Desire.

Written by Mary Rose Cabigao, Stylitics Ambassador from Georgetown University.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

“We’re all fascinated with corruption, the more glamorous the better.” Rick Owens (1)

American designer Rick Owens has been known for not only for bending the rules of fashion, but also for breaking them. Thankfully, this has worked in his favor throughout his career. On May 17^th in 2007, he won the National Design Award for Fashion from the CFDA, beating out fellow designers Philip Lim and Narciso Rodriguez.

In the same year, he also won the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award and the Fashion Group International’s Rule Breaking Award. Five years prior, the CFDA awarded him the Perry Ellis Emerging Talent Award. Leave it to Owens to prove that it only takes five years to emerge as a fashion-designing superstar!

Written by MaryKate Guidry, Marketing Intern at Stylitics.

Sources: 1, 2

Stylitics: What are three words that describe your style?

Jason: Casual, thoughtful and bright.

S: What do you do for a living?

J: I am an information technology manager for an architecture firm.

S: How does your style change from day to night?

J: Biggest change is that I am likely to kick off the dress shoes and put on some sneakers. I have a soft spot in my heart for stylish sneakers. They can be worn with most outfits and can look just as good when it’s clear you thought about what you were doing.

S: How does Stylitics help you organize your personal style?

J: I was in the middle of spring-cleaning in my closet and realized I had more stuff with the tags still on it than usual. I found Stylitics and was sold on the idea of knowing what I was and wasn’t wearing. Everyone has their favorite pieces but sometime we over wear something and leave other great pieces in the closet on accident. With Stylitics’ help, you can make sure everything is getting used. It also allows me to see what combinations I have worn recently so you can make a small wardrobe seem bigger.

It also makes shopping much easier when you can see what you already have. How many times have you purchased an item only to realize it is pretty close to something you already have but forgot about? This makes it easy to whip out the phone and check how the color, cut and style compare to what you already have. I am a frugal shopper so I don’t want to purchase things so similar to what I already have.

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

S: What’s in your suitcase for a weekend getaway? What are your style essentials?

J: Dark jeans are essential, as they are great for everything from getting on the plane to a nice dinner out once you get there; white button down — you wear it to the beach-front bar or to a dinner out; bright colored polo or t-shirts for during the day, along with some classic Adidas sneakers. I am usually out and about when I get away and need to be comfortable for a day walking around. Don’t forget the workout clothes; I love getting a run in at the beach or exploring a new city by taking a jog around town. Last has got to be sunscreen — no one ever looks stylish when they are as red as a lobster, so put it on often when outdoors.

S: Where do you go for style inspiration?

J: Pinterest and Google image search are always useful if I have something I am trying to pair together or find accessories ideas for. Otherwise, the men’s fashion advice on Reddit is pretty good for getting information. I also like to check out the look books on designers’ websites just to get an idea of what’s popular.

S: Where do you go/what do you read to stay updated on tech, apps, style, fashion, etc.?

J: Working in technology, I spend a lot of time reading blogs, listening to podcasts, and trying out new apps and tech gadgets. Some of my favorite places to get updates are the This Week In Tech podcasts at twit.tv. I spend time on sites like gdgt.com and engadget.com to see what the latest tech toys are.

I also enjoy sites such as Valetmag.com and dappered.com to get info on trends, styles, or sales. I also spend time reading Reddit’s Male Fashion Advice forum.

S: If you could trade closets with anyone, who would you choose?

J: Justin Timberlake. He always has style and must have an amazing closet.

S: Where are your favorite places to shop, and what do you look for when you go to buy something new?

J: I look for fit first. I used to be quite a few sizes larger than I am now, and I spent years after I lost weight buying items that floated on me because that’s what I was used to wearing to hide under. I was never happy with the clothes, but I didn’t know much else. Once I figured out what sizes really fit, I made a point to really examine if things fit before I bought them.

Second, I look for things that are going to stand out a bit. I love to wear bright and crazy socks with business wear or something more casual to make a statement. Colorful watches, shoes, or a shirt can really make an entire outfit complete for me. A simple statement piece goes a long way in an outfit.

One of my favorite places to shop is Banana Republic because they carry medium tall online. Being tall and on the slender side with a longer torso makes finding shirts kind of a pain. Banana Republic has them online, and with the ease of being able to return to the store if something doesn’t work as I had hoped, it is usually my go to for staples.

Another great place I love going is DNA2050 in Las Vegas. I am in Vegas at least once a year, and I have to swing in. They carry some great brands and usually have a new brand (or two) every time I am in the store.

Finally, Nordstrom. They have great service, and a big selection to choose from. The staff is typically more helpful than other stores. They can help me find whatever I may need for special occasions or something to finish off an outfit. Plus, they really seem to care about how you fit and feel in a piece.

Time for rapid fire…

S: Boat shoes or desert boots?

J: I think both are great but funky colored boat shoes win most of the time.

S: Polo or t-shirt?

J: If I have my choice, I am going to grab a t-shirt nine times out of ten.

S: Jeans or dress pants?

J: Definitely a jeans guy.

S: Blazer or leather jacket?

J: Blazer in gray or navy works with almost everything I own.

Thanks so much, Jason! Don’t miss his closet and be sure to create your own here.

“Who says you need to take your fashion cues from the ladies? Certain gentlemen emote style and deserve serious props for their wardrobe choices — and Michael Jackson is one of them. “ Michelle Persad (1)

When you think of Michael Jackson, there are a few things that immediately come to mind—Thriller’s music, the moonwalk and, of course, that single, white, sparkling glove. Today in 1983, MJ first appeared wearing this mono-glove, which sparked a fashion sensation.

Ever wonder what gave that glove its trademark dazzle? The glove was made of 1,200 Austrian crystals—hand sewn! Guess he didn’t buy it from his local street vendor. In 2009, it was even auctioned off for $350,000.

In 1984, CBS Records sent 1,500 invitations printed on white gloves to guests for a Grammy Awards after-party in the singer’s honor. Versions of what became known as “Fantasy Gloves” have since been produced by the original designer in several colors.

Written by MaryKate Guidry, Marketing Intern at Stylitics.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, by Truman Capote

No list of stylish books would be complete without a nod to Audrey Hepburn in the film adaptation of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s. With her high bun, string of pearls, and oversized sunglasses, Hepburn’s understated look has become the final word on classic style.

2. Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy

The recent adaptation of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is a fashion force to be reckoned with. Few were surprised when the flick won Best Costume Design in 2012, as Keira Knightley was hard to ignore in off-the-shoulder, bordeaux gowns and lux fur coats with caps to boot.

3. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Few films have generated as much costume buzz as Baz Luhrman’s take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The costumes, all Prada originals, are 1920’s fantasies of delicate beading, fringe, and embellished headpieces galore. With star Carey Mulligan covering this month’s Vogue, it’s fair to say that the fashion world is enamored.

4. The Life and Times of Cleopatra, by Carlo Maria Franzero

As one of the most expensive films of all time, Cleopatra, based on The Life and Times of Cleopatra by Carlo Maria Franzero, is a study in gilded details, drapery, and figure flattering cuts. Leave it to La Liz to bring a 2,000-year-old political figure to the forefront of fashion, spawning copycats like Kim Kardashian in a 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

5. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games has given way to an all-time top grossing film franchise, starring the face of Dior, Jennifer Lawrence. In fact, the allure of crafting lead character Katniss’ iconic “Girl on Fire” look was so high that designers from Christian Siriano to Charlotte Ronson offered up sketches of their own interpretations.

6. The Virgin Suicides, by Jeffrey Eugenides

Starring Kirsten Dunst and Josh Hartnett, this film, based on Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel by the same name, is an incredibly dark story of four young sisters. The cinematographic result could easily be mistaken for a Rodarte campaign, featuring a twisted take on innocent style.

7. Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare

In another Baz Luhrman adaptation, Romeo + Juliet, we see Claire Danes officially break onto the fashion scene as a 1990s version of Juliet. Serving as inspiration for future campaigns, including Wildfox’s Fall 2012 lookbook, this romantic take on grunge stole the hearts of fashion’s finest.

8. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum

Where would we be without those ruby slippers? Originally silver in L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland’s shoes in the film adaptation are – to put it lightly – iconic. In 2008, 19 designers, from Diane von Furstenberg to Manolo Blahnik, actually designed modern interpretations for the 70^th anniversary of the film.

9. Atonement, by Ian McEwan

In 2007, Ian McEwan’s novel Atonement was made into a film, again starring the ever-stylish Keira Knightley. Deemed the “Best Film Costume of All Time” by InStyle readers, the emerald-hued gown that Knightley sports in the story’s pivotal scene is now a piece of fashion history.

10. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll

The inspiration for countless whimsical films, Lewis Carroll’s classic book came to fashion fruition in Tim Burton’s 2010 take. The costumes were created by Colleen Atwood, earning her an Oscar for her designs. That year, window displays and fashion spin-offs weren’t immune to Burton’s Wonderland, and even Donatella Versace admitted that her collection had been inspired by the tale.

What’s your pick for most stylish book? Tell us in the comments below!

Written by Annie Wazer, Marketing Coordinator for real-time trend insights company Stylitics. Annie can often be found wearing leather leggings and has never met a cup of coffee she didn’t like.

On the heels of the extraordinary Met gala red carpet, we decided to send one of our own to see what the fuss was all about.  Here’s our take on the latest from the Met Costume Institute’s Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition.

Written by Jessica Novak, Senior Marketing Manager for real-time trend insights company Stylitics.  Jessica is a blogger, runner, coffee addict, avid alliterator, and chambray enthusiast.

After the religious experience that was the McQueen exhibit in spring of 2011, I went into the Met’s Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition with high hopes.  Pleasantly surprised that there was no line to speak of, my journey into the world of punk rock began without a hitch.

The exhibition sought to explore the influence of original punk culture on couture designs, but, aside from a life-size diorama of the bathroom from the infamous CBGB club in the Bowery where punk supposedly got its start, I was missing the elements of original chaos that later inspired the couture collections.

Yeah, wasn’t kidding.

The punk aesthetic developed simultaneously in New York’s Bowery amongst the middle class and also in London, centered around Westwood and McLaren’s iconic SEX boutique.  Imbued with elements of DIY and anti-establishment, the origins of punk were defined by torn jeans, hardware, dyed hair, and S&M subculture.

But as I looked upon an embellished leather skirt by Balmain and a stapled evening gown by Givenchy, it seemed to me as though the punk genre of fashion rose from the runways rather than from the urban culture from which it was inspired.  At one point, I stumbled upon a shopping bag that had been fashioned into a onesie (by Maison Martin Margiela, no less), and the irony that this piece of repurposed plastic likely retailed for more than my monthly Manhattan rent was not lost on me.

While I’ll never complain about a collection that brings together the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Viktor & Rolf, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Commes des Garcons, Maison Martin Margiela, and Yohji Yamamoto, among others, what I did find interesting was the focus on punk fashion more as an artform, and less as something that people actually wore (and wear).

But on the flip side, next time I’m strapped for cash, I know that I can always repurpose my kitchen plates…

Vest fashioned out of plates, far right.

The exhibit ended with a mannequin clothed in a piece of fabric that covered only her side, leaving her chest (and virtually everything else) exposed, raising her middle finger in protest.  The garment was ironically called “evening gown.”  While a very apt way to end the exhibit, as I walked out, I just couldn’t help but wonder if the dress was actually sent down a runway…

The verdict?  Go see it.  Punk is making a comeback, and this is one of the few places you’ll get to see the best of Westwood, Rodarte, McQueen, and Balmain up close.  Once again, the Met doesn’t disappoint.

And if you’re into a modern day (and more affordable) take on punk, check out the creepers, mesh, and leather in this girl’s closet.

The exhibit is open from May 9th to August 14th.

Images via: 1, 2, 3

“She’s quite obsessed with the quality of the fabrics… It’s her baby as a tour. She’s in total command, like the director of a movie.” Jean Paul Gaultier (1)

Today in 2006, it was revealed that music legend and fashion icon Madonna would be turning to designer Jean Paul Gaultier for the costumes on her Confessions tour.

Gaultier has worked with the singer on the design of her costumes for several tours, including Blonde Ambition, Drowned World Tour, Re-Invention, and MDNA. For Gaultier’s first costume gig with the star, in preparation of her 1990 Blonde Ambition Tour, he designed the legendary conical bar corset, which has become synonymous with the avant-garde style of that decade.

His costumes, from both her Blonde Ambition and Confessions tours, have since gone on display in a Gaultier exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum.

Written by Annie Wazer, Marketing Coordinator for real-time trend insights company Stylitics. Annie can often be found wearing leather leggings and has never met a cup of coffee she didn’t like.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Though the eternal battle between cats and dogs has no end in sight, fashion has clearly chosen it’s champion.

The fashion industry isn’t alone in its fascination with felines, though, as we’ve seen LOLcats and Grumpy Cat memes take the internet by storm. Mashable addressed the growing cat craze by trying to answer the question on every BuzzFeed reader’s mind: Why cats?

With experts from the likes of CatPaint and Cheezburger Network weighing in, Mashable entertained theories like “Because they’re cute,” “Because they’re not cute,” and “Because they’re the perfect canvas for human projection.” While no definite conclusion was reached, Burnell Yow!, Nora the Piano Cat’s personal assistant, summed up the obsession as:

“Cats seem totally comfortable being exactly what they are, and they are totally alive to the moment, which is something we, as humans, have lost sight of, though we are trying to get back to that enlightened state.”

The cat vs. dog battle aside, one thing we can all agree on is that there’s nothing quite like Cara Delevingne, Shania Twain, and a kitten to make you feel “alive to the moment.”

If you can’t justify wearing a catsuit like Cara for your fashion fix, then take a lesson in cat-dressing from Victoria Beckham, Karen Gillan, and Kirsten Dunst.

With fashion favorites like Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs showing cat prints in recent collections, the kitty chic trend has been embraced by celebrities and early adopters alike. This past February, “catwalk” took on a whole new meaning when Tracy Reese sent an actual cat down the runway at her Fall/Winter 2013 show.

When Fashionista announced that it’d be launching a new site, Cat-shionista, on April 1st, we were almost ready to believe that we’d be seeing a feline take on fashion news. With cats upstaging models on the runway, and Karl Lagerfeld’s kitty Choupette on the rise as fashion’s newest it-girl, it seemed only fitting that cat fashion have it’s own media outlet.

And, all April Fools jokes aside, cats are taking over fashion media. During this past Fashion Week, Glamour held a party for their “35 Under 35 List” at their Glamour Cat Fashion Concept Store. Guests wore cat ears and bonded over their disdain for “sloppy and slobbery” dogs.

“Cats are so fashion,” said Bill Wackermann, publishing director. ”Think about it. They’re sleek, they’re kind of chic. They’re not giving it away. You gotta work for it a little bit, you know what I mean?”

So take it from fashion’s elite: cats are so right now. But we have to ask, what would fashion queen Anna Wintour say?

How will you be wearing cat prints this season? Tell us in the comments!

Our celebrity closets aren’t immune to the cat craze either, as we’re starting to see more and more felines in their style. If you have cat fever, then try a graphic printed tee, like this UNIF shirt from Le Happy’s Lua, or these Charlotte Olympia heels from DJ Chelsea Leyland.

Written by Annie Wazer, Marketing Coordinator for real-time trend insights company Stylitics. Annie can often be found wearing leather leggings and has never met a cup of coffee she didn’t like.

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