Fits Like: S
Measurements lying flat:
Shoulders – 20” across
Under arms/chest – 19 ½” across
Waist – 19 ½” across
Hips – 19 ½” across

Label: NONE! (my favorite brand)
Colors: Yellow and multi-colored stripes
Condition: Very Good Vintage (perfectly not perfect – item is handmade)
Fabric: Cotton
Care: Machine or Hand Wash

Special Details:
Handmade!
Fringe on front and bottom of top

Fits Like: S (size 4)
Measurements lying flat:
Shoulders – 16 ½” across
Under arms/chest – 17” across
Waist – 14 ½” across
Hips – 19” across

Label: Leslie Fay
Colors: Black
Condition: Excellent Vintage
Fabric: Jacket – Polyester, Collar and Cuffs – Acetate/Nylon
Care: Dry Clean

Special Details:
USA Made!
Shoulder Pads
Gold and pearl buttons
Exaggerated collar
French cuffs

Kors fall collection is far from the shelves, but local DC designer Jennifer Miller of JEM creates oversized scarves in similar styles and rich plaid patterns available now.  I received two of JEM’s scarves as gifts this holiday season.  One was Jennifer’s new avant-garde cape styles.  This gets you so close to a Kors-like piece, except JEM makes them in beautiful browns and blues as well with interesting and unique design details that include pockets and beyond.  Shop JEM online for high-end, hand-crafted scarves reminiscent of styles seen on the 2012 Fall Fashion Week runways.

See Michael Kors and other New York Fall Fashion Week shows at New York Magazine now.

Sheer is so in for spring and, as NAHM shows us, the trend will continue into fall.  Rich jewel tones and busy floral prints make the see-through fabrics more sophisticated than the neon hues of right now.  Pairing with light colored lace continues the pastel trend as well.   The creativity continued with pieces in a special people print and even the show screamed character with a backdrop matching the floral print of several of the sheer styles that made the collection so original.

ECC has a soft spot for NAHM and designer Nary Manivong.  Nary took some time to speak with ECC in October during the media tour for his inspirational documentary, DRESSED.  Nary spoke about his struggles and achievements both personal and professional, as well as the NAHM’s 2012 spring collection that had just been seen at New York Fashion Week.  Learn more about his talent and triumphs by reading the interview.

See NAHM and other New York Fall Fashion Week shows at New York Magazine now.

From Spring Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris, we saw designers like Elie Saab with full skirts in oversized pastel prints – think Mad Men couture.  Giambattista Valli sticks with floral fabric for a light and airy feel, but updates with bright pinks, rich reds and deep purples.   Christian Dior shows not one or two of these dresses with the over-the-top bottoms, but ends the collection with six styles.  Each skirt layered in a different technique and each bodice dressed-up with a different detail.

From Fall Fashion Week in New York, Oscar de la Renta ends his show with dramatic tulle layers engulfing the models lower half, while keeping the tulle tight and fitted up top.  Marchesa keeps it sophisticated with the colors in radiant red and rich gold.  The bodices bring the fairytale fashions to another level with 3-D florals.

See these and all other Paris Spring Couture and New York Fall Fashion Week shows at New York Magazine.

Elie Saab

Giambattista Valli

Christian Dior

Oscar de la Renta

 Marchesa

ECC has always focused on high style at a low cost and now that effort has expanded into the realm of ethical fashion.  ECC’s take on being eco-chic is to reuse and recycle clothing from the past.  With that, the boutique will curate a collection of affordable and adorable vintage and other must-have fashions via the online boutique.

ECC Boutique held a trunk show at CARBON on December 2, 2011 announcing plans for the upcoming online boutique and it was a huge success!  Thanks so much to Katherine Limon of CARBON for hosting and all the ECC fans who stopped and shopped.

Along with the launch of the boutique, ECC has also received a makeover.  Check out the chic new look now!  While ECC’s vision has evolved, the mission has not changed.  ECC blog and boutique remains a fashion forward resource whether you are looking for simple style suggestions or a meaningful makeover.

Fits Like: M (size 14 on tag)
Measurements lying flat:
Shoulders – 16 ½” across
Under arms/chest – 20” across
Waist and Hips – 20” across

Label: Fire Islander
Colors: Khaki
Condition: Excellent Vintage
Fabric: Polyester/Cotton
Care: Machine Wash

Special Details:
USA Made!
3/4 sleeves
Pleats at the shoulder
Visible flat front pockets

Fits Like: M (size 6)
Measurements lying flat:
Shoulders – 18” across
Under arms/chest – 19” across
Waist – 19” across
Hips – 19 ½” across

Label: Personal
Colors: Bright purple w/ red and green paisley print
Condition: Very Good Vintage (sporadic subtle dark spots of purple – can’t see unless really looking)
Fabric: Polyester
Care: Machine or hand wash

Special Details:
Long collar
Puff sleeves
Pleats at shoulders

On the second Tuesday of every month, Suited For Change opens their private boutique to the public.  The boutique provides an intimate shopping experience where you can save on styles while supporting their positive mission.  Find an extensive collection of gently loved and new fashions for next to nothing to add to your casual, work and even evening wardrobes.

Reduced prices continue for the February sale!  Suits – $15-$25, coats – $15, blazers and dresses – $10, pants, skirts and shirts – $5, shoes and handbags – $5-$10, Accessories – $1-$5.   Also check out the red label line featuring high end designers (all individually priced, but still marked with major discounts).  To celebrate the heart-filled holiday, all red label items are buy one, get one half off!

All money raised by the sale support the mission of Suited For Change, which is to provide free professional attire, image consulting, and job readiness skills training to low-income women throughout the DC Metro Region.  Suited For Change enables low-income women to increase their employment and job retention potential and contributes to their economic independence.

Below are just some of the items you will see for sale this Tuesday!

This black and gray striped dress is super chic with the low cowl neckline and thick green belt at the waist.  Wear with tights now under a blazer or cardigan in any color or later with a unique necklace (nothing so low that you interfere with cool cowl)  and bangles.

This trench is so sophisticated for the office, but able to transition to casual wear as well.  Try on the weekend doing whatever by unbuttoning a couple up top and at the bottom for a more laid back vibe.  Switch out the matching belt for a dark brown one or steal a tie from another top with some color.

Shop from so many silk scarves in different colors, patterns, prints and sizes!  A silk scarf is a versatile accessory that can be worn around your neck, head, waist and even as a handbag.

Fits Like: M
Measurements lying flat:
Shoulders – 18” across
Under arms/chest – 18 ½” across
Waist – 17” across

Label: Southwest Canyon
Colors: Horse picture print filled with blues, greens and browns
Condition: Excellent Vintage
Fabric: Cotton/Polyester
Care: Dry Clean Only

Special Details:
Cropped jacket
Amazing horse picture print
Front clasp closure