Upscale urban
Urban Outfitters has the formula of artsy, angst-ridden fashion down to a science. Plaid tops and skinny jeans? Check. Slouchy ankle boots and Wayfarer-inspired eyewear? Obviously. Throw in one of the store’s signature fedoras and your hipper-than-thou ensemble is Echoplex-ready.
But this month, Urban is upping its fashion game by partnering with contemporary label Geren Ford on a line of sweet sailor dresses, jackets and feminine tops -- the first in a string of collaborations that will include Paul & Joe and Steven Alan.
The Ford line doesn’t hit stores until mid-May, but judging from the rest of the stock in stores now, Urban Outfitters has already started to trade its Silver Lake-aesthetic for runway polish. Black silk cocktail shorts with a smocked waist ($38) channel Carolina Herrera’s uptown spring style. A tidy beige trench coat cropped to the waist ($88) is decidedly Burberry. And a suede brown satchel covered in fringe ($38) resembles a similar $800 style from socialite-accessories maven Genevieve Jones. It’s available exclusively on the Urban Outfitters website. Love of random techno music and obsession with the Cobrasnake not required.
Urban Outfitters, 7650 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 653-3231. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For other locations see www.urban outfitters.com.
OPENINGS
Rene Caovilla: The blingy Italian footwear brand, a red-carpet staple, comes to the West Coast. Crystal studded stiletto sandals are a trademark. (One of our favorite spring styles has crystal flowers climbing up the foot and a gold python sole.) Of course, soaring heel heights come with soaring prices, with some styles breaking the $1,000 mark. 242 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 385-0879. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.renecaovilla.com
Shizue: Shizue Nobuta’s bags are anything but minimal. Her first U.S. shop is filled with over-the-top designs that are guaranteed conversation starters. Clutches feature patterned kimono silk with leather and lizard accents. Shoulder bags come in emerald-dyed rabbit fur, with tortoiseshell details and Swarovski crystals. The disco-ball clad space, designed by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, is as wild as Nobuta’s creations. A collection of 18-karat white gold and diamond jewelry is inspired by the paparazzi, Nobuta says. A selection of Taschen books is the calm in this garish accessories storm. 9627 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 385-8474. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.shizue.com
BAPEstore LA: Throngs of devoted fans slept on the sidewalk just to be the first inside A Bathing Ape’s first L.A store. The brains behind the pop-inspired Japanese streetwear brand is Nigo, who also partners with Pharrell Williams on his two clothing lines. Williams and Kanye West are fans of the bejeweled sweat shirts and patent leather sneakers that are all limited editions. Try on shoes from the comfort of a glass vestibule, circled by a moving conveyor belt of foot candy. Women’s gear includes plaid tops and polo shirts. T-shirts featuring palm trees and a sunglass-wearing ape are exclusive to the L.A. store. 8001 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 658-5400. Noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
SALES
Isabella Fiore Warehouse Sale Today: The L.A. accessories brand is blowing out past season goods at 50% off original prices. Metallic clutches, floral totes and tooled leather shoulder bags with antique-looking accents are among the vast selection of seriously reduced goods. Word has it, the shoppers of this sample sale are out for blood, so come early and be prepared to fight for your favorites. 9086 Rosecrans Ave., Bellflower. (562) 220-1140. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.isabellafiore.com.
Taryn Rose Sample Sale Today: This brand, founded by a foot doctor, is known for comfortable style. And now that past season shoes, boots and bags are 70% off, the prices are pretty cushy, too. The offerings at this warehouse sale are surprisingly fashion relevant. We scored a pair of flat black patent leather boots that have an equestrian look for just $145. Men’s shoes are also in the mix. 469 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. No phone. Noon to 5 p.m. All sales final, cash and credit cards accepted.
TRUNK SHOWS
Christian Louboutin Thursday: The cobbler of all cobblers presents his fall line at the store of all stores. The daring collection features ‘80s-inspired booties in quilted metallic leather, and sunshine yellow pony hair mixed with black patent. Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 276-4400 Ext. 5604. 2 to 6 p.m. www.barneys.com
Lulu Frost Saturday: Boutiques from Brentwood to Brooklyn carry jewelry pieced together from random antiques and flea market junk. But it was designer Lisa Salzer who put found-object baubles on the map with her 2006 collection using room numbers from the Plaza Hotel. Come see her latest work, including bracelets made of steel-cut Victorian shoe buckles ($325 to $600) and necklaces made from vintage charms ($400 to $600). Art Deco earrings ($400 to $600) make a perfect last-minute gift for mom. Ron Robinson at Fred Segal. 8118 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 651-0239. 1 to 4 p.m.
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