Our Tips and Trends for THREAD Show 2010

As you may already know, the fantastical shopping and fashion event know as THREAD is this Sunday, September 26th. With several exhibitors, fashion shows and demonstrations, and even a new foodie element, it can all be overwhelming! You want to spend your extra dough on something, but what? So for you I provide a helpful guide of what to look out for at THREAD!

Designers:
You’ve already seen some of our top choices in our last THREAD post, but here are a couple more that need a little light shed upon them.

Nifty Curly
THREAD encourages eco-responsibility and Nifty Curly is a perfect example of this. Their handmade accessories are made from recycled materials and scraps from clothing and furniture manufactures. Their designs are absolutely perfect for the whimsical at heart: eye-popping colors w/a dash of vintage feel.

More insider tips, trend watch bits and more of our favs after the jump!

ARKA Clothing
I often see men dragged into THREAD by their girlfriends, unsure of what they are doing at a pop-up mall event. Men: THREAD is not just for the ladies! One notable clothing line that caters to men is ARKA Clothing. Their screen printed tees go beyond the normal cheesy slogans and those horrible tattoo design shirts we all unfortunately still see floating around. Breathe color into your life and try out one of their cleverly named and designed shirts.

Trends:
Staples in your wardrobe are necessary, but what makes shopping and dressing-up fun are trends - and these three sassy trends are ones that you will want to be on the look out for.

Jeggings
I know, they have the dumbest name ever, however they are the much talked about trend of the season. In attempt to make skinny jeans even skinnier, designers have finally clicked it in their head that they could just make leggings that look like jeans – hence,  jeggings. If you’re like me and hate the idea of pants – get yourself a pair of jeggings. They can be worn dressed-up or down and come in a variety of styles. Be unique and search for a pair that stand out from the rest, but remember! Jeggings are still not pants! I’d be very careful when choosing what tops and skivvies to wear with your tight new pair – just a warning!

Top Handled and Structured Purses
Maybe it’s the idea of letting go of your bohemian island dreams and returning to the real world, but there is no doubt about it — the slouch is out and structure is in. I’m not saying you should ditch your boho ways, but there are some adorable top handled and structured purses that can be easily transitioned into your wardrobe without looking too preppy. Top handled purses also come in smaller sizes, so you can even take them to the club with you.

Animal Inspired Clothing
From exotic skins to fur – Fall runways were boasting of the animal kingdom. You don’t have to skin an animal for the sake of a trend, so look for all things faux if you can (I know some of you can’t part with leather just yet). Search for faux fur trimmed accessories or go full out in coat or vest. If reptile is more your thing, look for accessories that resemble great gators and pythons. Leopard print seems to have also made it’s way back, but I say kick it up a funky notch and go with tiger or zebra stripes.

Final Tips:
I love looking for unique items to purchase at THREAD, but one of the great things is that many items have been priced marked to a point where you can’t say no. If trends aren’t your thing or you just can’t find that statement piece for you – stock up on basics. They’re great for layering and never go out of style. Be on the look out for my personal fave, Alternative Apparel. There are always bins of their super soft shirts and tanks going for cheap and the quality is fantastic. I might go so far as to say they are better than a certain brand with a similar name…

EXCLUSIVE MIX TIP: We had the amazing opportunity to stop by the Double Happiness Jewelry headquarters yesterday, to pick up gorgeous baubles for our LIVE photo shoot during our PRE-THREAD PARTY at one of our favorite Downtown spots, the ever-whimsical Vin De Syrah – and we o, just happened to stumble upon bags upon BAGS of gorgeous jewels and cuffs ALL PRICED BELOW $10 that will be making their thrifty debut at THREAD this Sunday!!!
O M G. There will be SO MUCH ahhhhhhhhhmazing AND affordable sparkly loveliness via Double Happiness Jewelry that will be only available *EXCLUSIVELY* to those fab THREADsters!!! (<– love that I just thought of this now!!!)

GET TO THREAD EARLY – Trust me, I know I won’t be the only one risin’ & shinin’ early and upon the doors opening, absolutely assaulting the inventories of these poor, unsuspecting exhibitors.

SO excited (quivers).

RSVP here to get in for only $5

By: Eileen