Columns

The missing link

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 5/6/2009

Types: Columns

Fiesta meant a particularly successful week for a new Southtown boutique, B.Link, open on South St. Mary’s across from El Mirador since December. The Fiesta focus on neighborhood events like Beethoven Gartenfest and King William Fair meant strong sales and new customers for Brandy Garcia, B.Link’s o...[MORE]

A Stitch in time

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 4/1/2009

Types: Columns

It’s not often that when you leave a stable 9-to-5 to open your dream business, you hit the zeitgeist of the times so cleanly. Luckily, this is exactly what happened to Crystal Palmer and Sandra Huizar when, after several years working together at USAA, they decided they needed a change and opened a...[MORE]

Recession chic

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 2/25/2009

Types: Columns

This past weekend, local designers Angelina Mata and Elizabeth Ciarfeo joined together to debut spring lines and raise funds for the Artist Foundation. Mata, the creative director for Southtown’s “Art of Fashion” show, usually uses the Contemporary Art Month event at Blue Star as the forum for her d...[MORE]

Cupid’s antidote

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 2/4/2009

Types: Columns

Valentine’s Day is maligned as a desperate, commercialized, heavy-handed excuse to pressure your loved one into declarations of devotion and adoration they simply may not feel, in a manner which they normally would never express themselves. The backlash is fierce but often trite, with websites such ...[MORE]

NYE SOS

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 12/31/2008

Types: Columns

New Year’s Eve is not my favorite night of the year. Which is unusual, since the occasion involves two things I generally like (Champagne and dressing up) and lacks the major stressors of the rest of the holiday season (buying gifts, family). But inevitably, by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, ...[MORE]

Time after time

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 12/17/2008

Types: Columns

I’ve written a lot of columns about cleaning out your closet. I’m a ruthless editor with high standards and no remorse. If it doesn’t fit, is out of style, looks better on the hanger, or doesn’t work with the rest of your wardrobe, toss it, I always say. I’ve given away clothes that still have the t...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 9/24/2008

Types: Columns

The return of fall is the return of denim. Nothing better completes traditional preppy looks like a corduroy blazer and cashmere scarf, or boots and a crisp button-down shirt, than new jeans. And yet, they’ll always be tough, the workhorses of cowboys and rebels, and able to play against the simples...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 8/27/2008

Types: Columns

Congratulations to everyone who completed the Wardrobe Refashion Challenge, where we vowed to only buy vintage, recycled, or handmade clothes and accessories for two months. Hopefully those of you who participated feel better about your support of a greener world and are a bit heavier in the pocketb...[MORE]

Clothes-Minded

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 7/30/2008

Types: Columns

So we’re about halfway through the Wardrobe Refashion Challenge, two months of buying only recycled, renovated clothing. There may be some money burning a hole in your pocket. For those of us who shop therapeutically — just a small pick-me-up when the rest of the world is out of control ...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 7/23/2008

Types: Columns

Welcome to week four of the Wardrobe Refashion Challenge, in which I have pledged not to buy any new manufactured clothing, instead relying on vintage, recycled, thrifted, handmade or renovated clothes for all my summer fashion needs. Let’s talk a little bit about buying handmade items. Ever si...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 7/16/2008

Types: Columns

I hope everyone is enjoying a greener, cheaper summer as part of the Wardrobe Refashion Challenge, in which we’ve taken a pledge to buy only recycled, renovated, or handmade clothes. A perfect way to honor the Challenge and not feel deprived of glamour is to shop vintage. San Antonio’s grande dame o...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 7/9/2008

Types: Columns

Welcome to week two of the Wardrobe Refashion Challenge, in which we’ve vowed not to buy any new manufactured clothes for two months, instead relying on renovated, recycled, vintage, or handcrafted items to appease all our fashion needs. This week we have a little craft project, suitable for both ...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 7/2/2008

Types: Columns

As you may remember from last week’s column, we’re kicking off a two-month moratorium on new fashion acquisitions via the Wardrobe Refashion Challenge. For eight weeks, I’ve sworn that all additions to my closet will be recycled, rejuventated, handmade, or thrifted. I hope in the name of the economy...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 6/25/2008

Types: Columns

I’ve never liked the term “fashionista.” It’s a bit pretentious and cloying, and while I love clothes, I’ve never been the kind who has the time — or the budget — to stay on top of the “it” bag of the moment. So imagine my smirk when I read style.com’s giddy coining of the term “recessionista”— the ...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 6/18/2008

Types: Columns

I first fell in love with natural-living company J.R. Watkins’ packaging — simple, clear labels, copperplate writing, small Victorian flourishes — the modern products look every bit as old-timey as when the company was founded in 1868. But eventually I came to rely on Watkins for a few key products,...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 6/4/2008

Types: Columns

What is that fan-shaped leaf we’re seeing everywhere these days, from clothing to furniture to jewelry? According to Wikipedia, the ginkgo plant is a living fossil, dating back more than 270 million years. An important symbol in Buddhism and Confucianism, the ginkgo is primarily grown in China, Kore...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 5/28/2008

Types: Columns

The magazines are telling us this is the summer of the wedge, the season of the gladiator sandal. Great looks — go out and get a pair or two. But fashion magazines will probably never cop to the real shoe of summer, the flip-flop. Especially in laid-back San Antonio — where the less you can manage t...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 5/21/2008

Types: Columns

It’s wedding season again, in my mind, one of the most difficult occasions to shop for. If a couple is young and just starting out, I am thankful for the registry and will happily purchase their first grown up set of towels. But for friends my own age, already along in their careers and with conside...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 5/14/2008

Types: Columns

Remember back when you were a hippie, reading the crazy malarkey on the back of a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap as you stood in the shower (ALL ONE OR NONE!), thinking OK, maybe saving the world is a bit much, but at least I’m doing something decent with my consumerism? Reclaim that mild sense of put...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 5/7/2008

Types: Columns

Parisian naughtypants Nicole Locher is at it again. Known for her candy-colored, hand-embroidered T-shirts sweetly inscribed with raunchy sayings, Locher has just released a 2008 spring/summer online collection. For those of you who tittered at, but didn’t order from, last year’s selection with its ...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 4/30/2008

Types: Columns

Sunglasses have been associated with movie stars since the beginning of the film industry (although not as much for disguise as to rest the eyes after days working under the powerful arc lights needed on set). What better way to charge some glamour into your summer wardrobe? Protection from UV rays ...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 4/16/2008

Types: Columns

Hopefully you’ve gotten your first pedicure of the new year, because it’s time to put away your closed-toe shoes and break out the sandals! Your closet should already have the two warm-weather classics: a pair of simple leather flip flops and a bright, feminine pair of peep-toe slingbacks. This year...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 4/9/2008

Types: Columns

When Swedish hotshots Karin Jimfelt-Ghatan (a fashion designer) and Per Holknekt (a former skateboarding and pinball champion) teamed up a few years ago to create Odd Molly, the line was originally sold in the back of Stockholm cafés. Now their funky, feminine, Old World-inspired fashions are found ...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 4/2/2008

Types: Columns

The violetinis were flowing at the opening of new ’09 boutique The Violet Hour last week, causing this journalist to fear a bit for the gorgeous, expensive frocks. Shoppers packed in to get a preview of new lines exclusive to the store, including celeb-favorite Karen Zambos Vintage Couture and Sex a...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 3/26/2008

Types: Columns

Ruta Maya Riverwalk Coffee House continues to support local talent by hosting a fashion show for aspiring designers on Saturday, March 29 at 8 pm. Titled “De Colores” the show will focus on spring/summer collections for both men and women. Three of these emerging artists have been well mentored by S...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 3/19/2008

Types: Columns

A bit of fashion history: The shift (also known as the chemise) debuted in the late 1950s as a sleeveless, slim-fitting dress that barely reached the knee — a scandalously short hemline at the time. The shift is cut straight down from the shoulders, flows slightly away from the body at the hips and ...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 3/12/2008

Types: Columns

Angelina Mata debuted the spring/summer 2008 collection of her Reinvintage line at a private party on Friday, February 29 with 40 diaphanous, ’70s-influenced boho-chic looks that instantly brought to mind both sophisticated poolside cocktail parties and a more innocent, playful decade of fashion. In...[MORE]

Clothes-minded: (fashion deconstruction)

By Leigh Baldwin

Published: 3/5/2008

Types: Columns

San Angel Folk Art, in the Blue Star Arts Complex, has been more than a “gift shop” for almost two decades — offering carefully curated pieces from artists ranging from our own Reverend Seymour Perkins to Chicano icon Alex DeLeon with one goal: recognizing San Antonio as a unique cultural crossroads...[MORE]