Designer Profile: Raleigh Denim

What would you say is the (almost) unanimous article of clothing a person can search for, but never find? Our Men’s department started carrying the brand Raleigh Denim about a year ago with this exact question in mind. Made in Raleigh, North Carolina, these jeans aren’t made to fit the perfect person, the intent is to fit every person perfectly.

Founded by Victor and Sarah Lytvinenkos, Raleigh Denim was established out of necessity. Victor (a semi-pro soccer player at the time) needed a replacement for a style bought in Europe that were falling apart. After purchasing a vintage sewing machine off of craigslist, Victor decided he would construct a pair on his own. Fitting each style to themselves and friends, a pair of Raleigh jeans are constructed with their consumer in mind. Now, over five years later, the Lytvinenkos’ company employs thirty people, producing up to 300 pairs of jeans each week. It’s quality over quantity at Raleigh Denim; each pair is numbered, branded, and produced in the North Carolina warehouse and retail space.

We carry two styles; the Nash and Jones. Both are made of the raw denim, sourced from the White Oak Cone Mills; which are noted as being one of the United States oldest cotton mills. The company’s denim is specially made, not mass produced or distributed. The hand finished selvage denim allows each pair to be unique to its owner; creasing, softening and basically marking your day-to-day with how you wear your jeans.  



Jones




Nash



The Nash is a straighter more classic fit, while the Jones is a thinner more modern or fashion cut. Both priced a $285, they’re an investment, but worth it because they’ll only get better with age! If you haven’t already, come in and try on these jeans. You never know, they could be the perfection you’ve been searching for.

Veronica Beard for Spring!

The New York City based duo, Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard design around an aesthetic that is probably best described as classic Americana with a touch of bohemian and androgyny. The platform that the “Veronica’s” have built focuses on taking everyday wardrobe staples and pushing them a step further in production and quality, while still maintaining a sense of timelessness and utility.

The piece of their collection that makes it season after season and encompasses these ideals is “The Jacket.” Either dressed up like the tuxedo version shown in our email or the classic schoolboy style; the blazer is slimming and as versatile as the individual customer would like it to be. Being mothers, both Veronica’s note that the ease and comfort of their clothing is imperative; this is where the idea of the dickey became an essential part of the jacket’s genius. Layering without bulk is one of those wardrobe skills that many attempt, but few are successful. With interchangeable dickey’s for any one of their jackets, you can add the illusion of a hooded sweatshirt, cable knit sweater or even a leather jacket. This idea also goes hand-in-hand with developing a wardrobe that does not need to be occasion specific; any single item of the Veronica Beard collection can be dressed up or dressed down.

For the spring you’ll notice that there’s a mix of bohemian cool with ultra flattering tailored pieces that will bring you from day to night. Check out our website to shop all that we’re carrying for Veronica Beard or stop in for a piece that is bound to become a wardrobe staple.

Spring Cleaning

It's that time to start switching out your closet from fall/winter to spring/summer. If you have the space in your existing closet, your fall and winter clothing should already be separate from your spring and summer clothing and thus no need to switch over. If you don't have the space in your main closet but are able to store elsewhere in another closet, then do so. What you don't want is your heavy dark clothing mixed in with your lighter brighter colored clothing. An easy way to discern between what season something is for is to consider food and nature.  One generally eats heavier food in the winter because it's colder, the same is true with clothing - it's heavier to keep you warmer. Also the colors tend to be darker like the natural environment. Crimson, pumpkin, espresso, Loden green. Once you separate along these lines, your closet will be more manageable and more pleasing to the eye.  

One other thing to note, the changeover is great opportunity to get rid of unnecessary clutter. Quite frankly, if you're not wearing something get rid of it (i.e. did you wear it at all last spring?). Donate it to the Goodwill. There's a drop off at 6th Avenue and Clayton not too far from the store. You'll feel better with a cleaner closet. Wear what you love to wear and donate what you don't. Don't know where to begin? We're happy to help. Contact your LC stylist to set up an appointment. We'll advise you of what works and what doesn't.

Once the closet is clean, now is the time to start wearing those lighter weight cashmere sweaters in the soft spring colors - our spring season is short - only 2 months really - so take advantage of these cooler days while you can, when you can still layer as you do for fall but in lighter weights. Relish the changing of the seasons, each one is great in its own way. Happy Spring!

For other Goodwill locations go here.

New this Spring: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi

Preen is a young label, which was only established in 1996 by Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi in Britain. Described on their website as “deconstructed tailoring, utilitarian separates, off-kilter elegance and streamlined sophistication,” Preen is a label that designs for a woman who dresses for herself and not the trends.

This spring we focused on the beautifully manipulated python prints, which are turned on their ear when screen printed on fabric in different hues of blues, purples, browns and black. The tongue-and-cheek design aspect gives character to the otherwise simple silhouettes.

Mace Dress, $1,320

We received the Mace dress (as seen above), and it is the most “tailored” of the five pieces in store. The classic cocktail style is presented in a mix and match of patchwork python prints and color. The Piper and Maja style dresses are effortless in the sense that you can throw them on a hot day and walk out the door with your flat sandals or dress them up with a great pair of heels, and they would be appropriate for either occasion. Finally, if you’re looking for something that’s a little sexier, you can’t go wrong with the Bloom Emilia and Alyssa styles. Both in the season's signature python print, these dresses would work at the office with a structured jacket or for a night on the town. The wonderful stretch fabric makes the silhouette form-fitting, but not unforgiving.

Piper Tank Dress, $840

Bloom Emilia Dress, $695

Make sure to shop on our website if you can’t make it into our store to see these beautiful pieces for spring!

Spring Break Finds!

Spring is finally here!

Shop our warm weather choices in store and online!

Via Fiori Oscuri, 3

Finished up the Italian leg of our FW13 buying trip yesterday (Saturday January 12, 2012) as I write this on the train to the Milan airport. It's been a great trip (went to Pitti Uomo - a men's clothing trade show in Florence) and saw lots of great things. Met with Finamore (the Neapolitan shirtmaker), Luciano Barbera , Kiton, Belvest, and others. Lawry and I stayed at a quaint hotel in Florence (an old villa that has been turned into a hotel). Then went to Milan and worked on Saturday. Went to Al Grissino for dinner (seafood restaurant). And after that we went to Fiori Oscuri - a bar/night club that had the Broncos game on (10:30pm Italian time). The owner, Andrew, from Kent, England originally was an incredibly "nice chap" that was kind enough to let us stay past closing time through 2OTs to watch the end of the game (ended around 3:30am). The only bad part was that the Broncos lost and that we stayed up until nearly 4 in the morning to watch them lose in such a heartbreaking fashion (and had to catch a 7am train to the airport). Otherwise though a great trip. Thanks again to Andrew for his gracious hospitality. Arsenal is his team.

Winter SALE!

Is there an item that’s been haunting you all season, but you couldn’t convince yourself to purchase? Well, you may be in luck! We have our winter sale happening now, with select merchandise up to 60% off! Come in and browse your favorite brands for a deal that will cap off your winter wardrobe!