Men's Fashion Friday: Slub Tees

We all know that great creations can come from mistakes such as the production of Coca-Cola.  Well, in the ever evolving world of fashion, our defect turned stylish is the "slub".

Slubs are sections of yarns that appear thicker or fuller in certain areas than the rest of the yarns and are created as the fibers are being spun into fabric. Originally, these lumps were considered defects in production and were rid of before the fabric was finished. However, over time, the slub became stylish and accepted in such a way that machines were designed to create slubs on purpose and more frequently in fabrics. Thus, the mistake or defect turned into a fashion statement.

Slub T-Shirts are the most familiar form of slubbed fabric to the average consumer, "shopper." Another type of slubbed fabric is slubbed silk, also known as dupioni silk, which appears to have thicker areas of yarns so that some areas look as though the yarn was spun on top of itself. If you look close enough at the picture to the right, you will see that areas of the fabric are lighter than others, making it appear streaked. The darker areas are the slubs where the fabric is thicker and thus absorbs the dye heavier. There are not two different shades of dye which makes the beauty of this "defect" even more interesting.

Slub Tees can be some of the most comfortable shirts a guy can have as a basic in his wardrobe. Because of the purposeful defects in the fabric, the slubs make the shirt appear more stylish and can be passed off as more formal versus casual.

Old Navy's Slub-Knit Jersey Tees are heavyweight and come in a variety of colors and offer a more stylish look than a basic jersey-knit tee.

The Howe 'Moment of Glory" Split Neck slub shirt can be found at Nordstrom. This style has a more rugged look with long raglan sleeves and an added hem to incorporate a contrasting color at the sleeve hem and the neckline.

Also at Nordstrom is the short-sleeved Penguin V-Neck Slub Cotton T-Shirt. The slub in this particular shirt is more visible than some shirts that have subtle slubs. The heathered look is more apparent in this style, especially in darker colors and can be more easily recognized as a slub shirt.

Stella Sample Sale - Act Fast!

If you are in the mood for a great sale, check out my Stella Style Steals Sample Sale! (Say that five times fast...) I am selling most of my jewelry at dramatic discounts and for less than what you will pay on my website.  

To hold or purchase an item send me an email at ali.callitcouture@gmail.com. Items can be gift wrapped and shipped for only $5.  Act fast as I have one piece of each item and they are going quick!

Click the link under each item for a more product details.

Camille Vintage Heart Necklace Sample price: $29 (was $39, on my website for $34)

Sofia Pearl Single Strand Necklace I have TWO pieces. Sample price: $40 (was $69, on my website for $52)

Bloom Flower Brooch in Ivory/Gold Sample price: $20 (was $39, on website for $29) SOLD

  











Bee Charm Collection Sample price: $34 (still original price on my website for $49)

Ribbon Wrapped Deco Ring Sample price: $20 (was $39, on my website for $24)

Deco Squares Ribbon Necklace Sample price: $50 (was $98, on website for $58) SOLD

Claudette Pave Bracelet **Sold out on website. Sample price $40 (was $59) SOLD

Adrienne Mixed Chain Necklace Sample price $90 (still on my website at full price for $118)

Stackable Deco Rings Sample price $30 (still original price on my website for $49)

Sofia Cluster Ring - Black/Silver Sample price $25 (still available on website for regular price of $39)

Geometric Stretch Bangle Sample price $28 (still on website for regular price of $39)

 

Soiree Pave Bracelet -  Ivory and Black available Sample price $20 (on my website for regular price of $29)

Heirloom Deco Bracelet Sample price $62 (still available on website for regular price of $89)

Penelope Necklace Sample price $45 (still available on website at regular price of $69)

Tiny Flower Necklace Sample price $18 (still available on website for regular price of $29)

Avery Chains & Pearl Necklace Sample price $49 (still available on website for regular price of $69)

Spring Sneak Peak

If you can't decide what spot to hit on your spring vacation, let me help. In just one trip I can take you to the French Riviera, the sandy skirts of Mexico, to a country whose coast flirts with an ocean, a bay and a sea and a small getaway to the white beaches of Florida.  

The Stella & Dot Spring 2010 line is a passport to your favorite getaways. Travel with me to serenity by viewing the video below and getting a personal sneak peak of our new line. Items will be available on my website this Friday, January 15th! What an affordable way to escape to bliss...

Men's Fashion Friday: Stella Steals for Guys

Stella & Dot's Winter Sale applies to the guys too! See a few items below that are featured and click on the items link to shop the sale! Ladies, don't forget, Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and these pieces are great "happy's" for you guy.

The men's Bull Stamp Necklace symbolizes strength. The vintage wax bull is stamped into sterling silver and hangs on a 20" chain with a 2" extender. Get this piece on sale now for $39 (originally $79!!)

The Fleur di Lis is symbolic of the kingdoms and this Fleur di Lis Necklace allows you to wear the bold icon around your neck in style. The blackened sterling silver pendant hangs from a leather cord and can be yours for only $24 (originally $49)

 

If you don't like cuff links because they make an outfit super fancy, try the Stella & Dot Lion Stamp Cuff Links. Royal lions are pressed into sterling silver for a vintage and rustic look and add a touch of style to your outfit without being over-the-top dressy. Purchase a set of links on sale now for $34 (originally $69!)

Statement Scarves

Jewelry is not the only accessory that can make a statement.  For those cold days where you need to layer up, a scarf can take the place of a bold necklace, especially since it will cover up your jewels anyway.  There are lots of trendy styles on the floors for you to make your scarf the statement piece of any outfit.

I love the Pockets-A-Plenty scarf from Anthropologie. This scarf looks like it has so much fun knitted into it but its simply an assortment of trinket-perfect pockets that you wrap around your neck. A tiny knit bird hangs from one of the pockets as though the creature knitted it for itself. The button detail at the neckline adds a stylish finishing touch.

Swap out your necklace for the Cable Knit Ascot also from Anthropologie. For just $24 you can stay warm and trendy with this slouchy bow-tie look. This is a great piece to add to a simple top as a modified collar.

 

The eternity scarf is both versatile and trendy and can be found at most popular retailers. The one featured here is Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy Eternity Scarf. Eternity scarves can be worn long (like above) doubled over and worn to look like a cowel-neck, over your shoulders or stacked for just around your neck. You can get a variety of looks in just one style!

If you are too timid to throw on a sequenced blouse to get the shiny look for the season, you can still stay on trend with a glitzy scarf. The Juicy Couture Chiffon & Sequence Scarf is one of many styles that feature this glimmery applique.

Stella's Winter Sale

Don't let this sale pass you by! Get 50% off of our winter sale items by shopping today! Click here to go directly to the sale page and see below for a quick peak at some of the many items that are featured.

Get the La Coco Brooch necklace on sale for $88 (originally $118). Wear this necklace up to 8 different ways! That's like getting 8 looks for $88, including the option to wear part of the chain as a bracelet! Also, switch out the berry brooch featured in the necklace above with the Bloom Flower Brooch on sale for $29 (originally $39) for even more looks!

A great everyday silver bracelet is the Burnished Links Bracelet which is now on sale for only $19 (originally $39). You can wear this piece on its own or you can purchase the Burnished Links Necklace (right) on sale for $66 (originally $89) and use the bracelet as an extender for the necklace to achieve a longer look!

Save $74 on the Nadia Embroidered Cuff and get this on sale now before it goes for only $74!  Yes, spend $74, save $74 off its originally $148 price tag! This cuff is hand embroidered silk fabric with Swarovski crystals and glass stones with an adjustable hook and eye closure. You cannot beat this price!

The black onyx and gold Paige Chandelier Earrings are classy and stylish! Get my favorite pair of Stella earrings on sale now for $52 (originally $69).

Sephora Steals: $10 or Less!

Sephora is saying Good Bye to 2009 with "Good Buy's!" For the first time ever, you can shop an assortment of popular goodies at Sephora for $10 or less! Take advantage of this opportunity as some products are up to $45 off of regular retail prices!  You can shop both in stores and online. Below is a small sampling of some great products included in this promotion.

The Nars Custard & Ginger Duo Concealer is among a variety of products included in the "Good Buys." Two shades of concealer are packaged together so you can mix your perfect shade. Get this quick as it's on sale for just $10!

Stock up on your eyeshadows now while a selection of Sephora colorful eyeshadows are on sale for only $5! That's half off the original price. Buy two and it's just like buying one at regular price and getting one free! Or purchase four for $20 instead of four for $40! Any way you look at it, it's a great deal.

Pump up the volume of your lips and add some 'pout' with the Fusion Beauty LipFusion Color Shine. Originally $38, this magic plumper is on sale for $10! Now, that's not anything to pout about!

One of the best bargains is Benefit's Lust Duster's Trio which add a pixie dust sparkle to your lids and cheeks. These shimmering trio's are valued at $54 and can be purchased on sale now for $10!

Private Sale - Invite Only

Take advantage of Stella style steals at 50% off retail price on select items! Shop the sale by clicking here to be directed to the sale page.

Plus, get an EXTRA 20% OFF by entering PROMO CODE: SHARE09 upon checkout. That's a savings of up to 70% off! Be sure to act fast as this is only valid while supplies last!

Pantone Paints Pretty Spring Palette

Pantone is one of the leading color forecasters in the industry. Each season they come out with an extensive color report with fun guides and color standards for each trend. Spring 2010 will ring in pops of fresh and vibrant colors while maintaining a balance of neutrals. The palette in its entirety is reminiscent of the 1950's and 1960's where a positive economic growth was in sight. Present day is reflective of these 20th century decades where we hope to anticipate growth and strive for a world free of animosity.

Turquoise, yet again, makes a presence in the list of colors for the upcoming Spring season. Which means, you can roll over some pieces from last spring as turq was a prominent color in 2009 as well. The supporting colors are reminiscent of nature with Tomato Puree (above) and Aurora yellow, symbolizing the stunning hues of the sun. You will see ocean-tone blues and blushing corals as well as romantic violets (pictured right sketch) which represent a lighter take on the bold plums from fall. Pragmatic basics like Tuscany, Pink Champagne, Dried Herb and Eucalyptus balance out the excitement of the fashion colors and act as a backdrop for the more conservative consumer.

These colors will shine rays of hope and reflections of a new sun with its soft but spirited palette in hopes the economy will take the same approach. Step out of the doom and gloom of fall where fashion colors were the backdrop to angry basics like black and charcoal greys. Stella & Dot will follow in the same path as leading couture designers and continue to keep bold turquoise hues in their jewelry line for spring. Stella's popular selling necklace is the Charlize Bib Necklace, pictured below and adorned by Heiress Paris Hilton, that will continue to be carried in the spring line among other turquoise treasures.

Get ahead of the trend and shop at Stella & Dot now so you are prepared for the upcoming season. Find other hot items like the Delilah Necklace Debra Messing is wearing below or the new Tulum Turquoise and Leather Bracelet from Stella & Dot's Spring 2010 line (below, right).

Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and Happy New Year!

Posting will resume again in January so be on the look out for Spring 2010 trends and fashion news as well as features of hot Stella styles you'll want to rock in the new year!