Alternative Apparel Blog

Out in Chicago: Debbie Carlos's Wandering Cloud

I've known Debbie Carlos for about six years. We met back in the day when people used social media as an opportunity to meet strangers with similar interests. We were early twenty-somethings, living in Chicago, taking pictures and displaying them somewhat obsessively on our LiveJournal pages. The truth of the matter is she always managed to take the kind of pictures I wanted to take, but couldn’t quite make happen. Once I met her, I found out that not only was she talented, she was also incredibly nice. So, when I recently got the invite for an exhibition opening of her work at one of my favorite spots in Chicago, Lula Cafe, I was committed to being there.

Layer it On

 

Images c/o J.Crew Fall 2010 ad campaign.

Trending now: the layered look. For those times when you're feeling like your look is tired and lacking interest, a simple solution to this fashion conflict is to layer your pieces to achieve a more substantial get-up. Who said you could only wear one top at one time, or that you can’t throw slouchy socks over your tights? Pile on the tops, tees, sweaters and outerwear. The look appears effortlessly cool, but actually takes a bit of strategy to pull off. See below for a few tips to follow in order to master the art of layering and stay warm in style. And make sure to check out Alternative's Layering Essentials for women and men to create a sophisticated layered look.

 

Images c/o Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 ad campaign.

Tales from the "Darkside" with Melissa Auf der Maur

It’s that one time of year where we welcome all things spooky out in the open. The haunting yet tons o' fun time of the year where we take the literal skeletons out of the literal closet: it’s Halloween! As a special Halloween treat for all of you fashion fiends and glamorous ghouls, we have a special interview with the redheaded rockstar herself, Melissa Auf der Maur. Although Melissa isn’t a huge Halloween fan, she is certainly no stranger to things of a dark nature; the video for her latest single “Meet Me on the Darkside” has been released just this month from her second solo album Out of Our Minds. You may know Miss Auf der Maur primarily as the bassist from Hole and later as the bassist for Smashing Pumpkins, but she’s been busy working away this millennium as a solo artist, both in music and mediums beyond. Read our exclusive interview with Melissa Auf der Maur and find about her creative process, the “Darkside” and other things that go bump in the night (i.e. her cats).

Mission: Treasure Island

We've been so busy in the Alternative offices pushing out our spectacular Holiday collection that none of us had time to get to San Francisco last weekend for the Treasure Island music festival.  Alternative was proud to sponsor Treasure Island in its fourth year of celebrating amazing music with performances by She & Him, Miike Snow, !!!, LCD Soundsystem, Broken Social Scene, Ra Ra Riot, Surfer Blood, Belle & Sebastian...  and even as I type this out, I'm weeping on the inside thinking of all the great bands that I, errrr, I mean that we missed. Total bummer. In our stead, we sent our San Fran pals Leuwam and Laurel to experience the magic of Treasure Island and document the event with photos that we could share with all of you.

From Paris with Love

 

Ever since I was little, I've dreamed of going to Paris Fashion Week. I had visions of attending the runway shows with my favorite style icons; strolling through le Jardin des Tuileries; and perhaps sitting at a Parisian cafe next to the Eiffel Tower, chatting with the beautiful patrons while snacking on crepes and croissants. C'est chic! Well, I finally decided to make my own dream come true and took a trip to Paris Fashion Week 2010 earlier this month. Best. Trip. Ever! To get a glimpse of my fantastic voyage, check out my journal entries and pics below.

Day 1: Friday, October 1^st
5:20am Finally arrived after a long flight. No internet or TV on the plane. Bonjour!
6:48am Made the train…just barely. My hands hurt; I think I brought too many t-shirts!
8:30am Checked in to my hotel. Small but so quaint.
10:30am First stop, breakfast with Elle editors at Hotel Costes and then to Laduree for something sweet.
5:00pm Drinks with Dan Ragone and the owner of A.P.C. Love their clothes! How am I still awake?
7:00pm Early dinner at La Société. Amazing décor and delicious martinis.

 

'Tis the Season for Style

 
We're bringing you tidings of comfort and joy, just in time for the gift-giving season! Today, we're launching our latest collection for Holiday 2010, featuring plush scarves, cozy thermals, festive outerwear and more. Here's what Alternative founder and Chief Creative Officer Greg Alterman had to say about the new collection: "I wanted to develop a series of complimentary pieces for a sophisticated, layered look that would convey the warmth and comfort of the holiday season."

Watch "Comfort Me," the Holiday 2010 video, for a behind-the-scenes look at our brand new styles for women and men. Filmed at LA's historic landmark hotel, The Alexandria, the video captures the nostalgic, vintage-inspired look and feel of the holiday collection. Plus, check out the Holiday Shopping Guide for this season's top trends and gift-giving favorites.

 

×Melissa Metcalf