FASHION COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS-- A FEW FINDS

A few months ago in a previous post about fashion collaborations it was pointed out I enjoy following them. I like trying to figure out how these collaborations came about and when publicly available, reading how the launches went.

Surely I do not see most of the announcements but for those I see, I like reading about them and when available, looking at the products in person. Below are three recently announced collaborations / partnerships. When looked at together, they can dress you from head to toe!

White + Warren, a knitwear company started in 1997 and is known for cashmere products, particularly their travel wraps in a wide range of colors partnered with The Metropolitan Museum of Art for a line known as White + Warren x The Met. Per White + Warren's website "it is a limited-edition capsule inspired by the museum’s notable works of art." There are about ten pieces in the collection consisting of sweaters and accessories.

A nice benefit when purchasing the items is knowing that a portion of proceeds from the W+W x The Met Shop benefits The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

An item in the line posted here is the Cashmere Coat Of Arms Embroidered Crewneck. Shown in soft white, it is also available in grey. It has embroidery across the chest showing a Swiss coat of arms from a 17th century European tapestry in The Met’s collection. The price is $425 and can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/3pkctxdx

I have not been able to find this sweater or any other piece in this partnerships' collection on The Met Store's website. Maybe pieces are available in the Museum's physical location. I hope it is.

The creativity that accompanies distinct sneakers designed through a collaboration is fascinating. A recent one I came across is CONVERSE x SWAROVSKI. The pair shown that won me over in recent days is The Converse Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared with Swarovski Crystals. Each pair is covered with over 1,000 sparkling crystals that vary in size. Combined with a striking silhouette with a squared toe cap, it is an amazing sneaker!

These sneakers are already listed in the Converse website. However, purchases cannot be made until February 1, 2024 at 10am EST. The price is $300 and can be seen here:

http://tinyurl.com/5byc4smk

Note: It has been reported The Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared is also launching without Swarovski crystals on February 1, 2024 and and will retail for $110.

Kendra Scott, started in 2002 and revenue exceeding $400 million in fiscal year through January 2023 launched its first collaboration on January 17, 2024. It is with the iconic denim brand Wrangler. The collaboration is named Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott. Per a press release "The exclusive collection — which pays homage to Kendra Scott's Texas roots and Wrangler's Western wear legacy was intentionally designed with variegated turquoise magnesite embellishments and embroidered rose motifs to provide sophisticated western looks for everyone from the urban cowgirl to the seasoned ranch hand."

Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott includes a variety of jewelry encompassing necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets and 13 pieces of apparel including denim, jackets and shirts.

In line with Kendra Scott's commitment to philanthropic efforts, there is a contribution commitment with this launch.

Per a press release: "Kendra Scott will donate 20% of every purchase price of the Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Elaina Corded Bracelet to the Kendra Scott Foundation (KSF). and will direct this donation from Kendra Scott to the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America).

Wrangler is is donating $10,000 to the National FFA to support scholarships in connection with this collaboration.

Shown here is one of the items in the collaboration, Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Laurel Vintage Statement Earrings. The price is $150 and can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/2dppj6wa

I'm looking forward to exploring more fashion collaborations in the months ahead. Please let me know the ones to check out!

CAN'T STOP WALKING IN THESE PAUL GREEN SNEAKERS!

With a $50 Nordstrom promotional gift card expiring at the end of this month, I recently went to the New York City Nordstrom store to use it. Fifty dollars doesn't go far. Yet, I was glad to receive it and this amount is a good start for buying something I'd like. Prior to my visit I decided to add about $250 - $300 to this gift card so a wider range of items could be in scope.

Finding comfortable shoes, even sneakers is challenging, so decided this Nordstrom trip would focus on shoes, either booties, flats or sneakers that would feel good on my feet while walking around for hours at a time.

In my April 16, 2023 post, I wrote about buying AGL Monika cap toe ballet flats at Nordstrom. They were a wise purchase as they continue being comfortable during long walks. However, it is handy to have a few more choices in my closet and therefore this visit focused on footwear.

I recalled recently reading either in an email or in a trade publication news article promoting the shoe designer Ron White and Nordstrom so I went looking for that brand's display. I browsed the offerings. I liked that the Ron White booties were light weight., which adds to comfort and a nice walking experience. The booties styles weren't what I had in mind at the time. However, noting how nice the booties felt, I shall consider the brand when buying shoes another time.

While at the display a sales associate approached me, asking if she could assist me. Once I briefed her on my requirements, she suggested to look at Paul Green sneakers. I haven't worn this brand in years and when I did they were shoes, not sneakers. My recollection was they were fine. The sales associate showed me the Paul Green display and told me about some of the features of a few of the sneaker styles. She brought out a few pairs. I loved some of the colors, especially the silver embellished style named: Rachel Sneaker. The fit was awesome and I did not want to take them off! Check them out:

However, I reluctantly decided the metalllic Rachel Sneaker is not practical for winter in New York City. I ended up buying the Hadley Platform Sneaker, a slip on sneaker in basic black leather. Though exceeding my budget, so far these are a great purchase. I wore them for three days in a row and each day walked around five miles in them. On one of these days I didn't need to go that far. But the sneakers were so comfortable I just decided to walk some more! Check them out here: http://tinyurl.com/bdhfu9cx

Sometimes sales associates like to push an item and / or are not interested in a customer's concerns. In other words, their footwear sales approach could be described as "one size fits all." During this shopping trip I was lucky meeting this sales associate. She pointed me in the right direction and I'm happy with the purchase. After telling her how much I liked them and I might like to buy other Paul Green sneakers in the future she suggested we keep in touch. She told me her first name and then wrote her first name and phone number on the receipt.

I'm now off to another long walk in my new Paul Green sneakers!

DAVID YURMAN- DAZZLING AND DELIGHTFUL EARRINGS!

When I receive promotional or rewards gift cards from retailers for shopping at their stores, I'm typically slow to redeem them. These cards have expiration dates; yet, I end up waiting until the last days to redeem them, with a preference for using them for a long lasting purchase such as a piece of jewelry or a handbag.

In a post earlier this year I wrote about using rewards cards to buy a pair of fabulous David Yurman pearl and diamond pave earrings at Saks Fifth Avenue. Link to post: https://www.pamelatuckersays.com/post/pearls-a-perfect-purchase

The other day, with the expiration date clock ticking for a few Saks Fifth Avenue rewards cards I went to the Fifth Avenue store with the hope of redeeming them and taking home something special. The cards had a combined value of $1,100 and I was agreeable to add about $250 to find "the" piece of jewelry.

Given the value of the cards I thought earrings would be the first product area to explore. So with a set budget I went to the David Yurman boutique on the second floor. The wait for assistance was long. However, when I was assisted the experience was fantastic and professional. I told the sales associate my budget for this purchase.

Shopping with a budget when looking at David Yurman jewelry s an odd feeling because I love almost everything I see! Yet, I wanted the sales associate to understand my thoughts so neither of us would waste time and look at pieces that would not be considered. Through our back and forth he learned about my David Yurman "collection" accumulated over the years and steered me to several pairs of earrings to examine. A few were above my budget but that was fine too. Was good to see nice designs that could consider next time.

After narrowing the potential choice to two pairs, the clear winner was the Petite Helena Wrap Hoop Earrings, that is shown in this post. The 18K yellow gold wrapping around the silver is a feature I find especially lovely and graceful. The pave diamonds are also stunning.

These earrings are perfect for everyday wear and will also coordinate with my other David Yurman jewelry. When I arrived home and looked at the business card the sales associate gave me, I noticed he is a Brand Ambassador. But most striking it was noted he is a Brand Ambassador with the credential of GIA GG. Next time when buying jewelry is on my mind, I'd shop with this David Yurman Brand Ambassador.

Shopping mission accomplished, with these three features:

• Earrings - Love them

• Budget - Met

• Shopping experience - Excellent