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Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November 2008 Newsletter
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Trends: Fall 2008: The Tees Have It
Who among us wouldn’t admit to a love affair with our tee shirts? From the time we can remember we’ve all had that one favorite tee. You know, that shirt that, if clean (and sometimes not), is the first thing we reach for when getting dressed each day. And, why not? It is practical, comfortable, and over the last few years…fashionable.
The tee shirt has undergone a tremendous change from the days of screen printing some pithy saying on mass produced, single color, boxy Hanes Beefy Tee. Enter the fashion tee. It is more fitted. It is colorful. And, it has a whole lotta somethin’ goin’ on!
Tees have featured embellishments like print-over-print, grinded edges, embroidery, foiling, and bling. And in recent seasons, all of the above on the same shirt! The style is called Rock Star Chic. You know what I’m talking about. The guys and gals that have replaced the disco ball as the nightclub’s primary light reflector.
Fashion tees are here to stay. But just what can we expect from this fashion category as we enter the fall season? Here are a few tips to keep you current and on the forefront of fashion.
When It’s Over, It’s Over
I know I’ll catch hell for saying this, so let me just get it over with…Ed Hardy is O-V-E-R. Why? Because, once you over-produce and over-distribute a label you take away the uniqueness and eliminate the “cool factor” associated with the brand. Christian Audigier has built a business model with his labels (Von Dutch, Ed Hardy, Smet) that doesn’t have the consumer in mind. The model involves putting the label on a few key celebrities to give it some cool then produce as many as you can, as fast as you can. Distribute them in every single store until the market is overloaded.
If you still insist on following the label, I suggest you hit discount fashion stores like TJ Maxx which now has an Ed Hardy section. The rock star chic mantle will be taken up by newcomer labels like Doctrine and Rebel Spirit.
Cleanliness is Next To Godliness
Tee shirts will trend cleaner going into fall. In twenty years, when kids are having 2008 theme parties, they will be attaching rhinestones to their shirts and howling with laughter at the clothes their parents wore “back in the day”. Look for the bling to give way to more sophisticated and artful designs. You will still find some metal stud work providing accents to design, but nothing on the scale that we’ve seen recently. Look for labels like Frank Pistachio and Cabral to lead the way.
Oh, and one of the great up-sides to this trend is that you should see pricing (which has fashion tee prices rivaling your best button up woven) moderate with fewer embellishments.
Vees & Tees
Fall will continue the love affair with V-neck tees. Tees that reveal just a little more skin are sexy, hip, and different from decades of crew neck designs. Guys are generally more comfortable with the high vee that is cut closer to the neck. The bolder, more confident guy may sport the L.A. inspired design of the deep vee with a scoop that lowers to mid-chest. One caution: lower cut vees are fine if you have the chest to pull it off. Without a pumped chest you’ll want to stick with a mid- or high-vee to make the look work for you. Tee shirt’s by the very popular Monarchy Collection and Project e are offering a wider, modified vee for guys (and gals) that looks really cool.
Fit Is It
Going out in South Tampa, hitting the clubs like Hyde Park Cafe, The Venue, The Slug, or the highly fashionable 717 South, you can’t help but notice the beautiful bodies. With all the gym work that has gone into developing those bodies you can’t help but want to show it off. Both men and women are opting for athletic fit tees. They feature a more narrow cut down the torso, slightly tightened arm openings, and closer shoulder seams. And, while a closer fit may be sexy, cross the line with a tee shirt that is too tight and you risk becoming a bimbo or meathead cliché. My favorite fit is produced by Project e and Hard 8. They have just the right fit to flatter.
Paint Me Beautiful
While white and black tees will never go out of style, look for bursts of color to continue. Reds, purples and greens appear to be the industry’s picks for the coming season. Guys and gals should consider their eye and hair color, as well as skin tone, in picking what works best for you. A knowledgeable sales assistant at your local boutique should be able to help you with this. Finally, really dark tees work better at night. They are somewhat out of place on a warm, sunny day.
I Feel Ya
Finally, the feel of the tee shirt has changed over the last few years. Gone are the standard weight jersey cotton tees. Enzyme washes, peaching, burn outs and slub cottons have made tee shirts more comfortable than ever. Nobody does this better than L.A. based Kinetix.
Finally
As we head into fall long sleeve tees will continue the surge started two seasons ago. They are practical for cooler weather and look great layered under your favorite button up woven.
So, go ahead and load up on tees. They are fun, fashionable and functional. Tee shirts will continue to rule the street as long as denim is king.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
August Newsletter
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 Orlando Style Magazine Names Urban Body Best In Men's Clothing
Orlando Style Magazine readers have chosen Urban Body as the Best in Men's Clothing in Orlando. "Urban Body has been on the forefront of cool men's fashion in Orlando for a long time. They are a staple of the downtown renaissance." according to Orlando Style Executive, Malia Brennan. "Not only does Urban Body have the best labels, but continues to show guys how to put together their image." We'd like to thank Orlando Style and their readers, and invite our customers to come in and celebrate with us. Hey, the drinks are on us! |
 Tee Shirt Trends for Fall
Who among us wouldn't admit to a love affair with our tee shirts? From the time we can remember we've all had that one favorite tee. You know, that shirt that, if clean (and sometimes not), is the first thing we reach for when getting dressed each day. And, why not? It is practical, comfortable, and over the last few years . . . fashionable. |
 New In The Stores!
Just when you thought summer might get boring Urban Body is ready to rock your style! New in the stores:
191 Unlimited - Great new long sleeve wovens 1921 Jeans - we've got the M44 and M46 relax fits as well as M17 slim fit and M09 standard fit. 7 Diamonds - Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve Wovens ApricotTree - Long Sleeve Wovens Bulzeye - As usual, we have new styles every week db Clay - Wallets Division E - Terrific Tees English Laundry - Long Sleeve Wovens Fender Guitar- Long and Short Sleeve Wovens Goorin Hats- great new checked Fedoras, driving caps, and knit skullies MEK Denim - Two new dark indigo overwashed styles Monarchy - Tees and Fashion Caps Mark Nason - the Adler and Blackwing have both landed in the stores. These are both hot boots! Puma - The Future Cat is here. This black leather shoe features a silver swoop on one side & an embroidered cat over suede on the other. Project e - some of the coolest tees yet from this great brand. Check out the shirt that says "My Other Shirt Has A Skull On It" or another that claims "Your Girlfriend Has My Other Shirt". They are sure to get you noticed. Rass - These are some very cool tees from a line conceived and born in Tampa! Rebel Spirit - better hurry as these leave the store as soon as they hit the floor!
As you know, Urban Body is committed to limited quantities of each design. Stock rotates fast, so check back often to ensure we have your style in stock!
Look for at least 5 new designers to be added to our list of labels this fall, including Frank Pistachio! Stay tuned. You'll hear it here first! |
 Andrew Christian Coming to Tampa
Mark your calendar for Friday, Sept. 12th. Designer, Andrew Christian (Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency) will be making his Tampa appearance. Andrew will be signing autographs at Urban Body Tampa from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. A fashion show will follow at Steam in Ybor City's hip new club, The Honey Pot.
Los Angeles based clothing line, Andrew Christian, has been designing and producing contemporary collections of urban inspired menswear since its inception in 1997. Featuring underwear, swimwear, edgy tees, woven bottoms and accessories, the unique line can be found in exclusive boutiques around the country. Andrew Christian has received recent press for his new Flashback underwear line. This underwear (available at Urban Body) provides "back" to those guys who need a little help in the rear section.
Urban Body is looking for models (male and female) to model Andrew's underwear designs for this event Hey, hit us up if you got da stuff!
Speaking of Underwear
The Urban Body website now features more than 50 styles of boxers, briefs, jocks and tanks. Lines, such as Clever, 2(x)ist, Baskit, Wax Brand, Justus Boyz and Unico are featured on line. There just isn't enough room in the stores to carry all of the styles. However, if you see something on the web site that you want, let us know and we'll have it transfered from the UB warehouse to the store for you to pick up!
Welcome New Employees
Urban Body is happy to welcome two new members to our team. Katie E. joins Rachel's team in the Orlando store on Mondays and weekends. Katie hails from Merritt Island, Florida. She loves going to the movies and can't wait for the release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Lance P. joins the team in Tampa. When not working, Lance can be found hangin' at V's Martini Bar. He's the one surrounded by all the hot women. Seriously, check out the dude's MySpace page! Speaking of MySpace
We'd like to post some photos of our customers wearing clothing from Urban Body. If you have a photo, send it to: photo@urbanbody.com. If you are not a MySpace friend, please join 1300 of the sharpest dressers and friend us at www.myspace.com/urbanbodyclothing.
Labor Day
Keep your eye out for Urban Body's Labor Day Postcard coming in the mail. It's gonna be a blowout! |
Friday, March 14, 2008
Trends: Spring 2008
Okay, it ain’t so. As a matter of fact, the men’s progressive fashion industry has never been so strong. There are a rash of men’s labels that are creating fresh designs set to hit your local specialty shops this spring. Best of all, consumers are flexing their muscle, rejecting industry manufactured trends in favor of styles that better reflect their tastes.
Shirts - It’s Rock ‘n Roll Baby!
The trend from long sleeve, button front wovens to tee shirts continues unabated. While tee shirts like those from LA-based Hard 8 (www.urbanbody.com/designer/HAR8) have been sporting modest embellishments the last few seasons,
While skulls and tattoo art refuse to die (get it?!), we are seeing a slow transition to more diversified art on tee shirts. Look for the eagle crest to fly onto your radar screen this spring. Just about every designer was showing this graphic in their spring, summer and fall collections. Religious icons continue to be strong through the summer.
There are some bitchin’ new labels out there that are worthy of mention. They include Rebel Spirit, DCVR (pronounced Deceiver), Bulzeye and Doctrine. Look for the inevitable backlash on over-distributed lines like Ed Hardy and Affliction. Customers who spent money on these shirts to be cool no longer feel special now that everyone has them.
Denim - Tattered, Trashed and Torn
Other Stories That Need To Be Told
Or stop by one of our studio's at the following locations:
715 S. Howard Avenue(behind Starbucks)
Tampa, FL 33606
(813)251-5522
or
12 N. Summerlin Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
(407)481-7979
Copyright © 2007 Urban Body, Inc.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Fall Fashion Trends 2007
Glam-rock fashions rule the runway this year, but denim friendly designs still rule the street.Denim, paired with a casual woven or t-shirt, remains the basis of a successful fashion-forward wardrobe and shows no sign of a slow down.
The casual long sleeve woven is still the choice most men prefer when hitting the upscale bars and restaurants of Tampa’s SoHo district. It’s a great way to kick up a comfortable pair of jeans. Gone is the myriad of stripes that reigned supreme in 2006. (Come on guys, how many striped shirts can you have in your closet before your woman gets bored to tears?) They have been replaced with more creative fabric patterns, print over print designs, asymmetrical stencils, and bold stitching. The more creative, the better. Labels like Roar, English Laundry, Fender Guitar and 7Diamonds lead the pack in 2007.
Hard 8 Sinner Tee shirt
The fashion t-shirt remains a crucial element in today’s wardrobe, and designers continue to reinvent them with creative new ideas. Consider these trends that you’ll see among designer t-shirts:
- The return of the V-neck. The physically fit guy drives this trend – and it’s a great way to show off a nice chest without looking like you’re trying too hard. If you are uncomfortable with showing more skin try adding a chain or leather cord around your neck to fill in the V.
- T-shirts with stones and metal studs have been showing up everywhere and show no signs of letting up. This is an L.A. and Miami driven trend that has really taken off in Tampa Bay. It is an über-cool look that gives a hint of rebel rocker to your personality. Top of the label list in this category is LA-based Hard 8. This label is showing up on celebrities coast-to-coast.
- Rich and detailed enzyme-washed tees that combine lots of color, intricate designs, laser cuts, patchwork and foil are big news. Look for fashion details to start showing up on the sleeves. Labels that define this look are Monarchy, Affliction and Drifter.
- In the “been there, done that” category are skulls. Swords, crosses, iconic Byzantine and Celtic images and other old-world references have replaced them.
He realized that every mark, every stain, tear and mend was a small souvenir reminding him of the places he’d been, the things he’d done and the people he’d known. He returned to California and began to create a brand that reflected the “nomadic lifestyle.” And, it made sense- and earned raves from those who enjoy his designs. Let’s look at some of the trends in the seriously resilient look of denim.
Denim is definitely trending cleaner. While worn, torn and well traveled is still the look; obvious rips and tears have been replaced by more subtle abrasions and whiskering.Wider boot legs and baggy jeans have given way to either straight leg or narrower boot cuts that flair no more than an inch at the opening. My favorite is the new cowboy cut by 1921 Jeans that features a slight bowed leg. It is masculine and provides ample room for larger quads without giving up a clean silhouette.
While denim has trended darker over the last year in other parts of the country, Floridians have largely resisted this trend. Look for medium and light washes to continue their strength here in the Bay area.
Pocket flaps have made a big dent in the denim market thanks to labels like True Religion. While the trend is strong I recommend staying away from the huge, oversized pocket flaps, as these will likely not stand the test of time. Check out the more subtle flap pocket jeans by MEK denim and 1921.
Embroidered designs and pick stitches have made the jump from women’s to men’s designs in the last year. Remember that subdued designs are better when wearing a fashion shirt. If you choose a design that is more in your face, wear it with an understated shirt and let your jeans tell your fashion story.
On the bright side, look for denim prices to moderate. An influx of denim labels and push back from consumers who saw premium denim prices go through the roof has finally awakened denim labels who have taken advantage of the market over the last few years.
Hybrid fashion/athletic shoes by Puma are making a strong showing for everyday wear. If you like attention, however, leather boots, complete with crosses, buckles, rings and fashion stitching, by Mark Nason are going to be huge winners this year.
Finally, while fashion has definite trends, don’t take them or yourself too seriously. Remember, it’s fashion. It is supposed to be fun and speak to your individuality. Create your own look by wearing what makes you feel good or from getting the reaction you want from people you meet. Experiment and, by all means, have some fun!
See more fashion tips at www.urbanbody.com
Or stop by one of our studio's at the following locations:
715 S. Howard Avenue(behind Starbucks)
Tampa, FL 33606
(813)251-5522
or
12 N. Summerlin Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
(407)481-7979
Copyright © 2007 Urban Body, Inc.
Holiday Fashion Trends 2007
Trends: Holiday 2007
The holiday party season is upon us. And with that comes the best opportunity for us guys to step outside ourselves, escape the fashion norms, and display our inner peacock. The first step in deciding what to wear to the party is determining the dress code.
Dressing Appropriately
Black Tie means just that. Formal wear will be required.
Dressy Casual means that you have to leave your denim at home. A pair of black slacks and nice shirt with a sport coat will suffice.
Most house parties will include the terms Festive Attire, Holiday Attire, Cocktail Attire or, my favorite, an open invitation to Dress to Impress. This is your cue to have some fun!
Color
Although the winter color palette is trending more cool and sophisticated this year, the holidays are carte blanche to bring out the jewel tones. Rich burgundy, deep purple and emerald green are totally cool and indicate that you are confident, bold and in control.
Silver and gold, while appropriate throughout the season, are a sure fire hit when worn for a New Year’s Eve celebration. These colors can be very bright and are best done in moderation. What you don’t want is to look like is your great Aunt Gertude’s Christmas wrapping paper. Try pairing these colors with a black velvet blazer. It will tone down the brightness of the shirt. Remember, you want to catch her eye, not blind her.
The monochromatic look of black-on-black always indicates a class act if done correctly. If you go monochromatic you should select a European or athletic cut shirt and trousers. This look is all about the line. And if you can’t create the lines with color you have to create it with the cut.
Bling
Don’t be afraid to pimp your outfit. There are some great wovens this year featuring jewels or metal studs. The Fender Guitar label does this with a great sense of style and a hint of rock and roll. A blinged out belt buckle, shoes (yes, I said shoes!) or chain under an open shirt will accomplish the same effect.
Texture
How many times a year do guys get to wear velvet in Florida? The answer is usually…once. And, this is it. So go for it! Velvet blazers are a nice touch, especially when the lapels are satin. It gives a somewhat formal look in a dressy casual situation or a funky, hip, cool look to your favorite pair of denim. If funky, hip, cool is what you are going for, try pairing it with a tee shirt. You have quite a bit of latitude here. While a crew neck will work just fine, V necks will put you on the front end of cool. You can make a statement with a colorful tee or be that cool guy with the basic white tee.
You’ll also see velvet flocking on long sleeve woven shirts this year. If you’ve got the nerve and the body you can go with a sheer shirt that has a solid texture pattern. Again, if you lack confidence in your masculinity you shouldn’t try this. You’ll be worried about how you look when you should be hanging loose and having fun. The Couture label out of Los Angeles has perfected this shirt.
On A Final Note
Check with your date before you select your attire. Chances are that she has been planning her holiday outfit a whole lot longer than you. (I’m speaking to all those guys who run into my stores an hour before a date needing to look fly. Don’t worry, it’s a total guy thing.) If she shows up in a bright red dress with silver accents and you show up in burgundy with gold, you will not look good together. She is likely to spend the evening on the opposite side of room, and the night on the opposite side of the bed. While you don’t want to look like you coordinated matching outfits (ick!) you do want your attire to complement hers. Help her look good and your holidays will be a lot more cheerful.
See more fashion tips at www.urbanbody.com
Or stop by one of our studio's at the following locations:
715 S. Howard Avenue(behind Starbucks)
Tampa, FL 33606
(813)251-5522
or
12 N. Summerlin Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
(407)481-7979
Copyright © 2007 Urban Body, Inc.