Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Boutique Culture Supports The 3/50 Project


Boutique Culture was founded with one purpose in mind- to promote local boutiques and designers. As you can imagine we were excited to find out that someone had actually started a project with the same passion in mind. Many people wonder why those of us who shop at local boutiques don't just make the trek to the large malls and buy our latest obsessions. Some wonder why we don't save time and money and order all our basics on-line. While I could list the reasons for you here, I would rather ask you to review this project and you will be on your way to understanding our thought process. While shopping local seems to have a reputation of embracing large price tags, this project shows that you can support the local brick and mortars with just a small purchase.

Please take a moment to read about the project, and if you have a blog or website spread the word! We would love to know your thoughts on this project and see if this is something you would like to help us promote here locally!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Boutique Culture Facebook Contest is here!


Boutique Culture's Facebook Contest is here!

Prize:

The winner of our Boutique Culture contest will win this $285 Valhalla Brooklyn Leather Duffle Bag from our twitter friends at Jac Boutique!

How to participate:

1. From your facebook account visit Boutique Culture's Fan Page
2. Under the teal lady click either Become a Fan if your not already, or Suggest a Fan if you are
3. Invite your friends to become a fan of Boutique Culture
4. Cut and Paste this blurb or one similiar into your invite:
"So let's see how well you know my style! Please become a fan of Boutique Culture and leave a comment stating which of the three shoes shown in their latest post you think reflect my personality/style. If you do, I could win an amazing bag! Please oh Please! "

How winner is chosen:

On Friday July 31st at 5pm PST we will log into our Fan Page and the person with the most comments from friends...WINS!


Lets see whose friends are right!

Eco-Fabulous Fall Fashion: Your Guide to Greening the Season’s Hottest Trends


Eco-Fabulous Fall Fashion: Your Guide to Greening the Season’s Hottest Trends
By Melissa Baswell
Eco-Fashion Designer for Mountains of the Moon, Chicago, IL

As a lover of both fashion and the environment, I sometimes feel torn between doing the right thing and doing the “right now” thing. My mouth waters at the mere sight of innovative new trends that pop up each season, and as a designer who must research these trends well in advance of their first appearances on the street, I often find myself sketching up some pretty avant garde representations of what will eventually be the latest in wearable art. But in a society immersed in fast food and fast fashion, how can I express myself through my clothing without compromising the necessity of living a sustainable lifestyle? How can I create (and wear) stylish, on trend ensembles that (A) aren’t going to end up in landfills in six months, (B) aren’t going to exploit workers, and (C) can ultimately create a shift in the fashion industry’s paradigm (a shift that will allow independent boutiques and designers like myself to survive and prevail)? And how can I do all of this in a way that is affordable?

Thankfully, it’s a lot easier than most of us think to create a lasting love affair between fashion and eco-consciousness. Some of this fall’s styles may seem out of reach when we’re making mindful efforts to be green, but with a little creativity, you will soon find yourself strutting down the street with your held high, proud to be the chicest eco-fashionista on your block.

To help get you started, here is a list of some of fall’s hottest trends, each with simple solutions that will allow you to buy and wear them with the earth in mind (while showing your support for local and independent businesses and designers).

1. Trend: Bright Colors and Bold Prints. Perhaps a symbol of brighter days ahead during an economically uncertain time, many designers this fall opt for colors and prints that are traditionally seen during spring and summer months. Eco-Fashion Solution: Your Closet. This one is easy. Rather than shelling out cash at the mall, reuse and recycle spring and summer fashions that are already a part of your wardrobe by mixing them with earthier-toned fall pieces. Pop your favorite sunny yellow dress from summer over gray fall leggings, or pair a muted autumn cardigan with that printed blouse you cherished last spring.

2. Trend: Capes and Capelets. Though very fashion forward (and all over the runways), capes and capelets are classic, versatile pieces that have been seen on fashionistas for decades. They are simple and elegant, and can be paired with both casual and formal attire. Eco-Fashion Solution: Vintage Shops and Eco-Designers. The wonderful thing about recurring trends like the cape and capelet is that you can find beautiful pieces from the past at your favorite local vintage shop, where you’ll not only uncover great deals, you’ll also help out the environment by recycling clothing that has already been worn. Also keep your eye out for independent eco-fashion designers doing capes and capelets from sustainable fabrics this season, including yours truly (the locally made, hemp/tencel/organic cotton Mountains of the Moon Heidi Capelet will be available in early September) and John Patrick. Dressing sustainably includes opting for timeless, quality pieces rather than going for cheap, disposable clothing based on fads. (And trust me; by investing in a few well made garments instead of grabbing up a bunch of sweatshop-produced, $20 knockoffs at chain stores, you will save yourself a whole lot of money in the long run).

3. Trend: Plaid. We’ve seen plaid pop up a lot in the past year, and you can expect to see it even more this fall, from the traditional flannel button down shirt to formalwear. Eco-Fashion Solution: Thrift Stores and Local Boutiques. Again, buying gently used clothing represents the ultimate in recycling. The plaid flannel shirts of the grunge era are easy to find at your local thrift store, and can easily be transformed into chic, modern looks (like the $4.99 men’s plaid shirt I found last week at a nearby thrift shop that just happens to look amazing with a belted waist worn over leggings). Pay a visit to your favorite boutique too, where you may discover a stunning fall top or dress by one of the many indie designers incorporating some of the new organic cotton plaids and ginghams into their fall collections.

With a little inventiveness, these same eco-solutions can also be applied to many of the other big looks for fall ’09 : sharp shoulders, lots of layers and textures, slim silhouettes, one shoulder dresses, etc. And really, for those of us who are passionate about what we wear, what’s more fun as we (sniff!) watch summer come to an end than channeling our fall fashion skills through a creative project that is oh-so-rewarding in the end? The best part is that in addition to looking absolutely gorgeous, you’ll be contributing to the preservation of the planet, encouraging the growth of independent designers and local shops, and helping pave the way for a new, positive path toward the future of fashion.

Guest Blog Posts!

We are so excited to announce that each Tuesday and Thursday we will be sharing with you a post from some great people! From boutiques, designers, stylist, fashionistas, fashion bloggers, and friends in the industry you will find each post as unique and special as they are! Please be sure to comment and let us know your thoughts! Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

BC Warehouse Sale Update for 7/21


With the Boutique Culture Warehouse Sale - Seattle only 5 weeks away things are moving quickly! Today we confirmed that our charity sponsor would be Puget Sound Blood Center. We are so excited to have them not only be a part of the event, but use the event as an opportunity to directly impact the lives of people in our community. In meeting with our contact today, I was amazed at the huge impact a small donation of one pint of blood can have, and so will you! Visit their website to learn more or see how you can help. If you are planning on attending the Warehouse Sale please make it a point to stop by either before or after your shopping excursion and help save a life!

Fall Denim Trends


With the fall trends popping up in fashion magazines, blogs, and even in some stores- those of us who are strategic about our seasonal shopping can begin to form our wish list of must have's and maybe's. If you are someone who plans out what key pieces you want to buy for each season, bottoms, tops, accessories, shoes, and even beauty products you know what type of obsession I am referring to. Our first glance for the fall is always at denim, because they are the one trend that if you stay neutral you can't go wrong. But this post is hardly about jeans you can wear year in and out. Rather pondering who will attempt at some of the edgy pieces that will be staring at us from retailers windows and websites across the globe. From the quilted/stitched knees with a no secret fit,to the making a comeback flared 70's blues, then the ultra DIY look of the shredded skinny jeans, to the marble/spray paint 80's denim. Not stopping there we have pastel denim in skinny cuts, to another DIY look of studded denim. While we find ourselves embracing the flare 70's blues, we can appreciate the many other options available, and are looking forward to some amazing outfits these edgy pieces will generate amoungst some of our fashionable friends. Be sure this fall to take into account your body type when picking which seasonal denim you wish to embrace! That being said, what are some of the pieces you are contemplating for your fall update?