Urban Outfitters is bringing back Polaroids and Super 35 mm movie cameras.
Toys "R" Us is rerunning a television ad it aired in the '80s.
And retailers from Zappos to Forever 21 are stocking up on clothes and accessories from the 1960s and '70s.
Shopping has gone retro — again — this holiday season, with Lincoln Logs at Kohl's and turntables at Target. Macy's is stocking a cotton-candy machine with old-fashioned flair, while JCPenney is whipping out the Whoopee Cushion.
"It's retro-a-rama out there, to use a retro phrase," said Kit Yarrow, a professor of business and psychology at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. "People are looking for a safe haven these days, and anything retro feels warm and safe in these roller-coaster times."
Yarrow recently received an invitation to a 1970s-themed party that came with ideas on how to dress for it.
"What struck me," she said, "is the suggestions are exactly what's in stores today: maxi dresses, flowing skirts, gobs of jewelry, platform shoes and tight pants."
In retail, everything old can be new again. That includes nostalgia.
"There is never a time when we have no retro products," said Brooke Hyden, the style expert for Zappos.com. "But the trends right now are really drawing from the past, so we have an especially large collection this season. The '70s look is so hot right now, and we have a lot of Boho-'70s looks, 1970s ponchos, Mad Men-inspired dresses, and 1980s Fair Isle sweaters."
Hyden said people are particularly nostalgic around the holidays.
Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at the NPD Group, a marketing research firm based in Port Washington, N.Y., explained part of the appeal.
"Parents love to harken back to the simpler times of their childhood," he said, "and share the memories with their children."
But it's no passing fad, said Colleen Chapin, founder of Houston-based Hometown Favorites, an online store founded in 1996 to sell hard-to-find candy and other foods from decades past. Business has grown each year, Chapin said, first with baby boomers as key customers. Today, she added, more people in their 30s and 40s are ordering.
The music industry is selling nostalgia like never before, said Fred Allred, owner of AllRecords at 3211 Edloe in the Highland Village area. He has recently gotten in stock boxed gift sets, compilations or reissues for the Beach Boys, Ray Charles and Billy Joel.
"You listen to something you haven't heard in a long time, and it takes you right back," Allred said.
Kohl's has an array of retro clothes and such products for kids as miniature retro-style kitchens and the Morgan Cycle Retro Tricycle, spokeswoman Andrea Glatfelter said.
At Macy's, some gifts combine nostalgia with new technology, said spokeswoman Melissa Goff. For example, the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Cotton Candy Machine is shaped like a 1950s jukebox.
Toys "R" Us decided to bring back its 1980s TV ad as a way to create an emotional connection with parents and their kids and remind parents of their own feelings about Toys "R" Us products when they were children, said company spokeswoman Adrienne O'Hara. The commercial includes the Toys "R" Us jingle from that era.
Music and nostalgia are made for each other, Yarrow said.
"Our brain processes music differently than any other stimuli," she said. "We primarily ‘feel' music memories whereas we primarily ‘think' other kinds of memories. Marketers can get a ‘rub-off' effect by pairing the emotion created by retro music with new products."
2011年12月5日星期一
2011年11月15日星期二
Lunchtime buy: Miss Selfridge Wonder black embellished wedge
As we enter the Christmas party season, the search has officially begun for the shoe that will see us through all the different party dresses and dancefloors that we're sure to be encountering.
And we've found it: let us introduce to you the Wonder wedge from Miss Selfridge – a truly wonderous pair of shoes!
The shape of the shoe and the height of the heel deliver the perfect leg-lengthening solution that we look for in a shoe, which is a bonus for ensuring that our shorter hemlines on our Christmas party dresses remain flattering.
Plus, the wedge heel is known for being more comfortable than your standard stiletto platform, and comfort is something that we know we'll be thankful for as we dance into the early hours!
Then, of course, there's the embellishment – it's simply stunning. With intricate gems that will capture the disco lights fantastically, this is the ultimate finish to the ultimate party shoe.
What's more, they'll go with everything, from black skinny jeans and a simple top to let them shine in all their glory, to the Christmas party dresses you'll be wearing over the next few weeks.
And we've found it: let us introduce to you the Wonder wedge from Miss Selfridge – a truly wonderous pair of shoes!
The shape of the shoe and the height of the heel deliver the perfect leg-lengthening solution that we look for in a shoe, which is a bonus for ensuring that our shorter hemlines on our Christmas party dresses remain flattering.
Plus, the wedge heel is known for being more comfortable than your standard stiletto platform, and comfort is something that we know we'll be thankful for as we dance into the early hours!
Then, of course, there's the embellishment – it's simply stunning. With intricate gems that will capture the disco lights fantastically, this is the ultimate finish to the ultimate party shoe.
What's more, they'll go with everything, from black skinny jeans and a simple top to let them shine in all their glory, to the Christmas party dresses you'll be wearing over the next few weeks.
2011年11月14日星期一
Women spreading deadly E coli germs with handbags and smartphones
When you set your handbag down indoors – on your kitchen counter, on a coffee table or in a closet – you are carrying what scientists call “a major tote for microbes.” Prevention magazine reported “the worst place to set your handbag is the kitchen counter” after researchers swabs showed “up to 10,000 bacteria per square inch on purse bottoms;” while a third of women's bags “tested positive for fecal bacteria.” In turn, Prevention noted how “a woman's carryall gets parked in some nasty spots,” such as the floor of the bus, beneath the restaurant table, and even on the floor of a public bathroom.
In turn, women are advised by health experts to “put your bag in a drawer” or anywhere away from where food is being prepared or eaten. Also, don't let young children “touch” your handbag or smartphone that's been out in public, due to the same types of bacteria that's found on public toilet seats.
Exposure to germs at an all-time high, due to funky lifestyles
When women enter a bathroom stall and set down their handbag – without thinking about the germs waiting to catch a ride home with them – they usually take the middle stalls. That's not wise, states Prevention magazine that states “the worst stall to pick is the one in the middle.”
In turn, women are carrying all manner of ills from touching “germy toilet and bathroom handles,” and then from placing their handbags on the floor; while also texting and making calls while on the toilet.
“I hate to do it, but when I use a public ladies room I just go a bit nuts with the precautions one must take these days. I put my handbag on the hook and then take out antibacterial wet-wipes to cleanse the stall door, and then to wipe my iPhone after calling someone,” explains Jan, a Eugene local who said she's sick and tired of “getting stuff out in public.”
Moreover, Jan explains what while she's washing her hands after going to the bathroom she recites the song “Happy Birthday” to herself two times before stopping the washing of her hands.
“My friend is a nurse and she tells me that the number one thing I can do out in public is to ‘really' wash my hands after using a bathroom and before eating out. Funny, but I see a lot of hurried women these days that don't have a clue; they leave the stall texting or taking clearly on their phones while forgetting to wash their hands. It's gross,” Jan asserted.
Smartphones filthy dirty, called dangerous carriers of E coli bacteria
You're doing your business in a bathroom stall, and you overhear the person next to you talking on their cell phone; can you image them touching themselves and then touching their smartphone, asks a student here who said she's “grossed out.”
A new British study states that “one in every six cellphones is contaminated with fecal matter.” It's not news that both cellphones and smartphones contain fecal matter. After all, it's known that more than 96 percent of Americans own cell or smartphones and they touch both the phones and “other stuff” all throughout their day.
In fact, a college student here in Eugene says “I'm grossed out when in the ladies room and I overhear phone chat in the stalls. Can you image them touching themselves and then touching their phones and then shaking hands with someone.”
In turn, women are advised by health experts to “put your bag in a drawer” or anywhere away from where food is being prepared or eaten. Also, don't let young children “touch” your handbag or smartphone that's been out in public, due to the same types of bacteria that's found on public toilet seats.
Exposure to germs at an all-time high, due to funky lifestyles
When women enter a bathroom stall and set down their handbag – without thinking about the germs waiting to catch a ride home with them – they usually take the middle stalls. That's not wise, states Prevention magazine that states “the worst stall to pick is the one in the middle.”
In turn, women are carrying all manner of ills from touching “germy toilet and bathroom handles,” and then from placing their handbags on the floor; while also texting and making calls while on the toilet.
“I hate to do it, but when I use a public ladies room I just go a bit nuts with the precautions one must take these days. I put my handbag on the hook and then take out antibacterial wet-wipes to cleanse the stall door, and then to wipe my iPhone after calling someone,” explains Jan, a Eugene local who said she's sick and tired of “getting stuff out in public.”
Moreover, Jan explains what while she's washing her hands after going to the bathroom she recites the song “Happy Birthday” to herself two times before stopping the washing of her hands.
“My friend is a nurse and she tells me that the number one thing I can do out in public is to ‘really' wash my hands after using a bathroom and before eating out. Funny, but I see a lot of hurried women these days that don't have a clue; they leave the stall texting or taking clearly on their phones while forgetting to wash their hands. It's gross,” Jan asserted.
Smartphones filthy dirty, called dangerous carriers of E coli bacteria
You're doing your business in a bathroom stall, and you overhear the person next to you talking on their cell phone; can you image them touching themselves and then touching their smartphone, asks a student here who said she's “grossed out.”
A new British study states that “one in every six cellphones is contaminated with fecal matter.” It's not news that both cellphones and smartphones contain fecal matter. After all, it's known that more than 96 percent of Americans own cell or smartphones and they touch both the phones and “other stuff” all throughout their day.
In fact, a college student here in Eugene says “I'm grossed out when in the ladies room and I overhear phone chat in the stalls. Can you image them touching themselves and then touching their phones and then shaking hands with someone.”
2011年7月20日星期三
Fashion Trends: Summer sandals for wide feet
When else can you get your pinkies out if not the summer time! So, get a pedicure and flash those toes in this years summer sandals! Plus Size and Tall take a look at some of the retailers offering wider fitting summer sandals.
Evans
Evans has an amazing 96 styles of summer sandals to choose from in a wide fitting. Styles range from your traditional flip flops and espadrilles, to wedge and platform sandals. And nothing says summer like floral prints! I love the Flower Print Wedge Sandals in sky blue with an English garden floral print and fabric flower on the bar. These sandals would look fantastic with a flowing maxi dress or skirt. And at £10.00 (reduced from £22.00) they are a fantastic price too! The Silver Jewel Sandals are great for summer evenings out. The jewel embellishment is very bling! A sparkling summer sandal at £25.00.
OneStopPlus
OneStopPlus has a respectable selection of wide fitting sandals at very reasonable prices. The Flat Leather Sandals with Wide Studded Strap from Soft Grey are very trendy with a thin bar over the toes and wide cross over straps at the ankles encrusted in jewels. They are really eye catching in emerald green but are also available in nude at £13.65, reduced from £39.00. These sandals are great for day into evening wear but for the perfect evening summer sandals, the Mock Croc Sandals from Laura Clement really stand apart. These sandals are available in neutral but I think they are best in fuchsia! The 9cm heel will certainly make you stand out in a crowd. These sandals have been reduced from £39.00 to just £23.40.
iva La Diva
At Viva La Diva you can shop for summer sandals in wider fittings E, EE, and EEE. They have a good selection in many different styles. I really like the colours and the styling of the Comfort Plus Wedge Sandal. I can see myself wearing these around town with a dress or jeans and in the evening on a casual night out. These sandals in shades of pink and purple are £25.00. I also love the simple yet effective styling of the Shoe Tailor Buckle Detail Mule which has a wide bar over the toe and large buckle. These summer sandals are available in black, olive, brown or tan for £15.00.
Evans
Evans has an amazing 96 styles of summer sandals to choose from in a wide fitting. Styles range from your traditional flip flops and espadrilles, to wedge and platform sandals. And nothing says summer like floral prints! I love the Flower Print Wedge Sandals in sky blue with an English garden floral print and fabric flower on the bar. These sandals would look fantastic with a flowing maxi dress or skirt. And at £10.00 (reduced from £22.00) they are a fantastic price too! The Silver Jewel Sandals are great for summer evenings out. The jewel embellishment is very bling! A sparkling summer sandal at £25.00.
OneStopPlus
OneStopPlus has a respectable selection of wide fitting sandals at very reasonable prices. The Flat Leather Sandals with Wide Studded Strap from Soft Grey are very trendy with a thin bar over the toes and wide cross over straps at the ankles encrusted in jewels. They are really eye catching in emerald green but are also available in nude at £13.65, reduced from £39.00. These sandals are great for day into evening wear but for the perfect evening summer sandals, the Mock Croc Sandals from Laura Clement really stand apart. These sandals are available in neutral but I think they are best in fuchsia! The 9cm heel will certainly make you stand out in a crowd. These sandals have been reduced from £39.00 to just £23.40.
iva La Diva
At Viva La Diva you can shop for summer sandals in wider fittings E, EE, and EEE. They have a good selection in many different styles. I really like the colours and the styling of the Comfort Plus Wedge Sandal. I can see myself wearing these around town with a dress or jeans and in the evening on a casual night out. These sandals in shades of pink and purple are £25.00. I also love the simple yet effective styling of the Shoe Tailor Buckle Detail Mule which has a wide bar over the toe and large buckle. These summer sandals are available in black, olive, brown or tan for £15.00.
2011年6月7日星期二
TOMS Adds Sunglassses to Products
After weeks of anticipation, TOMS Shoes has finally unveiled their new One for One product: sunglasses!
In case you don't know about TOMS or their One for One program, the idea is this. For every one purchase you make, they will also donate to a person in need. They started with shoes in a small town in Argentina and have now given more than a million pairs of shoes away. They sell flat shoes, wedge shoes, men's shoes, women's shoes and kid's shoes.
Why shoes? According to their website, three simple reasons: disease, injury and education. In many developing countries, diseases come from the dirt and earth. Bacteria can transfer through the skin on bare feet. This leads to the second point, which is injury. For most of us, if we get a cut on our foot, we can clean it, put on a bandage and some shoes and it heals quickly. For children without shoes, a cut can lead to further infection which shoes can help prevent. Lastly, most of the time shoes are a required part of the school uniform and without them, these kids can get any type of education.
They also started "A Day Without Shoes." This day is dedicated to walking a mile in someone else's bare feet, to get a small taste of what children and adults around the world live with every day.
Today, however, TOMS became more than just a shoe company. According to founder Blake Mycoskie, they are now a One for One company.
In the video below, the decision to move into eyewear is laid out. With the recent decision by the UN to make the internet a basic human right, wouldn't it only seem logical that sight would also be a fundamental right? Thanks to TOMS, hopefully, millions of people can be given the gift of sight.
So why glasses? Because more that 250 million people in the world are unnecessarily blind. With just the help of eyeglasses, this problem could be cured. There is an immediate impact. Also, because a large majority of those affected by curable blindness are women.
For every pair of new TOMS sunglasses that are purchased, one pair of eyeglasses or one sight-saving surgery will be given to someone who needs them in Nepal.
In case you don't know about TOMS or their One for One program, the idea is this. For every one purchase you make, they will also donate to a person in need. They started with shoes in a small town in Argentina and have now given more than a million pairs of shoes away. They sell flat shoes, wedge shoes, men's shoes, women's shoes and kid's shoes.
Why shoes? According to their website, three simple reasons: disease, injury and education. In many developing countries, diseases come from the dirt and earth. Bacteria can transfer through the skin on bare feet. This leads to the second point, which is injury. For most of us, if we get a cut on our foot, we can clean it, put on a bandage and some shoes and it heals quickly. For children without shoes, a cut can lead to further infection which shoes can help prevent. Lastly, most of the time shoes are a required part of the school uniform and without them, these kids can get any type of education.
They also started "A Day Without Shoes." This day is dedicated to walking a mile in someone else's bare feet, to get a small taste of what children and adults around the world live with every day.
Today, however, TOMS became more than just a shoe company. According to founder Blake Mycoskie, they are now a One for One company.
In the video below, the decision to move into eyewear is laid out. With the recent decision by the UN to make the internet a basic human right, wouldn't it only seem logical that sight would also be a fundamental right? Thanks to TOMS, hopefully, millions of people can be given the gift of sight.
So why glasses? Because more that 250 million people in the world are unnecessarily blind. With just the help of eyeglasses, this problem could be cured. There is an immediate impact. Also, because a large majority of those affected by curable blindness are women.
For every pair of new TOMS sunglasses that are purchased, one pair of eyeglasses or one sight-saving surgery will be given to someone who needs them in Nepal.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)