Groove and the City

"I like my money where I can see it, hanging in my closet" ~ Carrie Bradshaw

SPOTTED: Storage for over 400 designer shoes, handbags, clothing and accessories find their new home in a massive walk-in closet (pic above).  Look familiar??  Why was this 400 sqft guest bedroom transformed for $175,000? To become the identical twin closet of the one and only, Carrie Bradshaw and Big hubbie, John James Preston, from Sex and the City.  Is the fashion and franchise really that influential? Read on, my SATC maniacs, because I'll never tell!

          XoXo,

       

If you're like me, you've seen every episode of "Sex and the City" so many times you can recite almost every line from all 6 fashionably amazing seasons (and majority of both movies).  In honor of our 15 year anniversary with the fabulous foursome, I am going to show you how influential SATC really has been in the fashion world (and to reminisce all of the amazing fashion moments over the years!).

The main reason we all love Sex and the City is that we all relate to a character, or bits of each.  Admit it, you're guilty of taking a 'Which Sex and the City Character are YOU?' quiz and giggled as you agreed with the entire description.  Conservative women, progressive women, single women, married women, divorced women, professional women, high school and college women, and everyone in between have been relating to episodes for the past 15 years.  Along with their personalities, women can also relate to the galpal's style too.

I think it'd be fun to break down the fashionality of each inspiring woman's style...and a little background too!  Before I do, I feel it necessary to introduce the woman behind it all, Patricia Field.  Field was presenting costume designs for Miami Rhapsody in 1995 when Sarah Jessica Parker saw the designs and fell in love.  SJP asked Field to design some of Carrie's clothes and from there on, the clothes became a focal point of the show.  Field began getting invites for front row seats to top designer's fashion shows in hopes that she might pick something from their collection for Carrie!

"The clothes are like another character in the show.  They help make it real" Cynthia Nixon, or as we all love her, Miranda, told People Magazine.  So, without further adieu, let's break. it. down.

Carrie Bradshaw, played by SJP, is fearlessly fashionable.  She has such a range of styles from uptown chic to sex kitten to fanciful.  Fields incorporated designer labels with flea market finds in order to create Carrie's unique fashionality.  She loves to mix it up and keep it interesting, claiming she gets 'bored' when things get too repetitive.

Charlotte York, played by Kristin Davis, is almost played off to be opposite from Carrie.  She shows off her sweet, preppy and conservative style, and always following the rules, by pairing the appropriate bags and shoes with her picturesque outfits.  She really lets her character speak through her clothing, bows, headbands, pearls, and other classic feminine styling.

Miranda Hobbes, played by Cynthia Nixon, is similar to Charlotte in the conservative sense.  Miranda plays up the conservative look in her very well-dressed, career oriented outfits.  She plays with chic corporate suits and neutral, androgynous styles that symbolize her being a strong woman in a man's world.

Samantha Jones, played by Kim Cattrall, is more like Carrie in her fun, fearless wardrobe. Her sexy styles exude confidence and courage.  Since Carrie's teenage years (if you've been watching The Carrie Diaries or read the books by Candice Bushnell), Samantha has made it loud and clear that she is a Woman (with a capital W)!  Her refreshing and invigorating personality definitely comes across through her strong styles, bold colors and accessories.

Now that we had a quick refresher on each of our gal's fashionalities, lets get a little deeper into the SATC trends and designer labels from our fictional, fairytale NYC!  So what was so amazing about the series that enticed a woman to drop $170,000 on her copycat closet?  Let's take a look at the influential trends and brands that the show has showcased over the years. I mean, making Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo household names was definitely a momentous feat.  If you are a true SATC fan, you will be checking off participating in the majority of this trend list.

• Stilettos
• Flower Pins...remember the entire 3rd season?! 
• Fun Fact: SJP loves flowers and wanted to accessorize with them, so they started small and they got larger and larger in each episode! 
• Initial Necklaces
• Great Coats
• The Bob 
• Must-have Designer Bags
• Mix High and Low (mix flea market finds with high-end designer fashions, like Dior top and Vintage skirt)
• It's All in the Shoes (the more expensive, the better!) and the perfect pedicure is required gals 
• Crop Tops and High Waists

Curious to know which labels were name-dropped the most? Here are the Field Favorites:

Manolo Blahnik

Jimmy Choo

Dior

Chanel

Richard Tyler

Chloe

Dolce & Gabbana

Prada

Fendi

Blumarine

Vivienne Westwood

Roberto Cavalli

All this talk about SATC trends and designer labels, I think it's time to reminisce about some of the iconic outfits that became famous and copied over the past 15 years.  Experts have praised how the franchise has enhanced the desirability of featured luxury brands.  Fun Fact: In the 4th Annual Brandcameo Product Placement Awards, Manolo Blahnik won 'Perfect Fit', for demonstrating the best chemistry between a brand a film for it's placement in the SATC Movie.  Louis Vuitton's involvement earned it the 'Most Mouthwatering' award meaning it is most likely to prompt immediate purchases due to its placement.

Three words: the tutu dress.

Want the Look? http://inspiredtrendaddict.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-2014-trending-tulle-skirts.html

 This charming ensemble is arguable the most iconic look from the entire series.  We felt a little jerk in our hearts when it was rediscovered during Carrie's trash-or-take montage in the movie.  This iconic, feminine, chic look is one of the Spring '14 trends to keep in mind; tulle skirts. 

Another memorable outfit is the newspaper dress! Remember when Carrie debuted it when she went to apologize to Natasha for sleeping with Big? Field made sure to bring it back in the movie because it was a very iconic dress from the series.  Field explains the underlying symbolism in using Dior. 

"In the first season, the last outfit of the last episode, when she was in front of the Plaza and she realized that Big was gone, going with Natasha, she wore a white Dior dress.  That was the first time that I used Dior, and when she goes to apologize to Natasha, there's that underlying thing that there's Dior there.  There's something symbolic about that brand."

 One final look, from the 2nd movie, came together in an unexpected way.  The J'adore Dior shirt and purple skirt Carrie wore shopping in the Middle East is a perfect example of the Mix High and Low trend the franchise initiated in the 90's.  Field claims this to be her homage to Galliano, whom SJP and her both love.  The J'adore Dior shirt is a vintage piece that she wanted to use, but didn't know what to pair with it.  Field took a crinoline slip from under a gown because the colors looked so good together and it was beautiful on it's own.  Out of respect for the Middle East, she had to make it a little more modest and threw a little jacket on Carrie.

Field explains that "we mixed up the high and low, because that's who Carrie is, and it doesn't matter if you're 30 or 40 or 50: You'll always express yourself that way, your originality that's your personal style.  And I always fought for that for Carrie.  She's not the rubber-stamp girl like Charlotte."

I hope you enjoyed opening the seams of Sex and the City fashion.  The trendsetting show, and our favorite Sunday night girlfriends, will live on through the iconic fashion, relentless quoting, our beloved pink book of DVDs....and of course the labels!

P.S.
Some fun facts I didn't know where to stick in!

• A very talented costuming team selected up to 50 outfits for each episode of the show!
• The estimated wardrobe cost of Sex and the City 2 was $10 million!
• Carrie Bradshaw has 41 costume changes in the 2nd movie, including the $47,190 silver and gold Chanel lame dress she sings karaoke in. 
• Patricia Field's favorite item from the 2nd movie, a man-tailored Gaultier robe with 10 ft train Samantha wore in her hotel room, but was cut from the movie.
• Have you changed?  See if your still the same character! 
• http://www.cosmopolitan.com/quizzes-games/online-quiz/sex-in-the-city-quiz
• http://www.tbs.com/affinity/quiz/0,,33842%7C%7C,00.html
• Ever see a floor plan of Carrie's apartment? Neither did I...so I had to share!
  

What to look for next week?!?

::: You'll totally feel a little jeally over what our designers are working on!  Don't miss this post about the upcoming trend in shoes; transparent vinyl!!! ::: 

::: Your friends would never consider you a punk rocker at all, but you love the new Street Chic trend?  No worries, girlfriend!  I am going to break down this red hot style of metal and leather so you can incorporate as little, or as much, as you want into your Fall style :::

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Grooving Vegan?

A New Groove in Shoes! 

SPOTTED:  On websites, shoeboxes, in stores and online.  A heart with a 'V' inside, 'Be Green', 'Go Veg', 'Live on the Veg'.  What are all these companies talking about?  Keep reading, eco-friendly fashionistas, because I'll never tell!

            XoXo,
            Groove Girl

Recently, more and more icons are popping up on websites and stores for Vegan Footwear.  What exactly is a 'vegan' shoe and why is it such a growing trend?  With the ecological enlightenment of global warming, over consumption, and the consequences of synthetic plastics and other materials, there has been a huge surge in 'Green' living.

Using fake leather versus real leather, some even go as far as using all plant based materials from the laces to the bindings.  While this growing trend may seem to be new to the fashion scene, but cruelty-free footwear has been around for years.  Just ask A-Lister Anne Hathaway!  For years this celeb has been rocking her own custom-made cruelty-free shoes.  In fact, she wore a pair of vegan Tom Ford gladiators to the NY premiere of Les Miserables and required vegan-friendly footwear for all of her character's shoes.

Leather is the most common animal skin in the fashion world and most of the high-end labels do not play nice when it comes to getting their supply.  Amongst poor living conditions, many animals are tortured and executed without anesthesia.  Many manufacturers will choose the cheapest fur farm, which often results in purchasing from some of the most cruel and inhumane ones.  It's not just our furry friends that are in danger here, so are our slippery and slithery friends.  Take Gucci, for example, take their snake skin from pythons...which California has banned the selling of python shoes already.  Jimmy Choo even has a pair made out of eel skin!

Maybe if she waited a few years Natalie Portman's Vegan shoe line (by Dior) may have survived :( 

So what do companies, like MooShoes, make their shoes out of you ask?  Here are some of the popular vegan materials: Ultrasuede (post-industrial polyester), Reclaimed wooden soles, Italian synthetic leathers, Organic cotton and hemp fabrics, Water-based glues with cell-rubber lining, Vegetable-dyed linen and cotton linings, as well as biodegradable boxes printed with environmentally friendly inks! I even read that one of the nontoxic, environment friendly synthetic microfibers is derived from recycled televisions. That's right; recycled TV screens!!! How cool is that?!

Did you know every Stella McCartney shoe is vegan-friendly?! 

I love indulging in a really expensive pair of designer shoes, even though I can get an almost exact faux replica for half the price.  I am not a vegetarian,vegan, or extreme environmentalist (I do what I can to reduce, reuse, recycle), but after doing this research, I definitely feel a lot better about the faux leather and fur in my closet.  I get to save my money (let's be real...I just get more shoes for the price of one expensive pair) and no furry friends have to give their life, win-win!

P.S. ALL Groove Footwear shoes are Furry Friend Approved!

What to look for next week!?!

::: Ever wonder "Where can I get that outfit!?", or "Who on earth put that outfit together??" when you were watching Sex and the City?? Well, I am bringing out the lowdown on the styling and fashion behind the show and movies! :::

::: Want to be trendy, but still rock your feminine, girly style?  No worries, I will be breaking down the new Street/Punk/Rocker trend to make sure any fashionality (fashion personality, hehehe get it?) will be able to incorporate it into their Fall wardrobe! ::: 

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Grooving on the World Wide Web

SPOTTED: Bulletin boards filled with pictures of shoes, color swatches, rough drafts and scribbled notes.  Excited chatter, phone calls and countless emails coming from the marketing department.  What is all the commotion about? Keep scrolling my little techies, because I'll never tell!

                   XoXo,

                  Groove Girl

P.S. 

Our website got some work done...a virtual facelift!  Don't forget to check it out and let us know what you think!

You have managed to navigate your way through the World Wide Web to read this, so I know you understand when I say technology moves so fast!  I swear, every time I get a new app, cellphone, or even log onto Facebook, almost immediately there is a new update waiting for me!  Apple seems to be pumping out a new iPhone model every 6 months and software updates every other week!  Just goes to show, if you want to stay in the game you've got to keep updating the playbook!

This is why we decided to give our website a quick little facelift....quick being the understatement of the century hehehe.  This project has actually been a huge, monumental and, at times, high-maintenance job.

It all started 2 months ago when the planning, development and initial make-over began. 175 emails, 6 redrafts, hours of discussing and revising, 3 photo shoots and technical difficulties later, we will FINALLY get to see what all of our hard work has become.

Michelle Drake - Photographer

Each shoe picture, page you can visit, graphics, and interactive buttons had to be specially coded and designed to make a comprehensive website for you all to enjoy.  It might not look like as much work as I described, but we had to figure out the perfect shade of pink, placement of icons and text, etc. = basically a different revision and correspondence each....now that's A LOT of emailing!
Better bookmark our new website right now as it is integrated with all of our social media accounts and blog!  Just make it your homepage because I know between our Facebook, blog and Pinterest accounts, you'll be on it every day J If that's not you, you should still bookmark it (or at least drop in every now and then) because how else are you going to know how to win FREE shoes, swag, gift cards and other goodies?!?

What to Look for Next Week?!?

::: Our monthly newsletter keeping you up-to-date on all things Groove! :::

::: The scoop on the new Vegan shoe trend! :::

::: Ever wonder who picked out Carrie Bradshaw's crazy outfit, or drooled over her Manolo's and Jimmy Choo's?!? I am bringing you inside Carrie's closet and a closer look into how the fearless fashionista was styled on set! We'll take a look at The Carrie Diaries and how a younger Carrie started her fearless wardrobe.  :::

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Ivy, Our Groovy Intern!

SPOTTED: A new face has been seen around the Groove office.  In the marketing department, with the sales team, and even the design department?  Who is this mystery girl and what is she doing at Groove? You'll have to read on because I'll never tell!

                    XoXo,
                    Groove Girl

I am so happy to be the newest Groove Girl and to be part of the Groove family, even if it is only for a month.  I can't believe it's already over, I feel like the time passed way too quickly!  I really have the sense of belonging here because all of my colleagues are so nice and helpful.  They are always willing to explain or teach me things, I really have fun with them.  They During my internship I worked with the Sales, Marketing, and Design departments and learned so much.

One of my favorite parts of my experience was working with the design department.  I learned how to research the newest and upcoming fashion trends for the coming seasons.  For example, one day we went to South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island (some of the biggest shopping centers here) to help clearly define the current fashion trends.  Shopping for trends is a lot like window-shopping.  It was my first time shopping from a professional standpoint, but it was really fun!  We figured out who/what are top sellers and researched where that style came from.  When I got back I took all my observations and information and make my very own trend board (design team has so many and constantly updating/making new ones)!

I Made This! 

Another highlight during my internship was working with the Marketing department.  Prior, I really didn't have any idea what marketing was.  To me sales and marketing were basically the same thing.  Now, however, I have learned that in marketing it is important to focus on promotions and advertisements, social media, and of course the customer.  I learned how to get into the consumer's mind and see what effects their buyer behavior and habits.I also helped make Instagrams, pins, a press release, and promotional material for email blasts.

GG the Fish

I really enjoyed taking pictures on the balcony and posting them to Facebook with Jacquelyn.  Jacquelyn and Natalie have a lot of creative ideas and know how to find inspiration from the surroundings. From working with marketing I found that I am a creative person and really enjoy creative stuff.  Btw, I love their pet beta fish, GG (short for Groove Girl of course!) who lives in Jacquelyn's pen holder on her desk...how cool!?!

That's Me Packing Up Samples! 

Sales is interesting to me, mainly because I was not very familiar with it.  I understand the whole sales process better now.  I learned how a sales representative communicates with potential customers to make a sale.  We also rearranged the showroom (I loved playing with all of the shoes)! I also helped pack sample shoes for a major trade show!

Outside of working with the various departments, I really enjoyed being at the office because of the cool location!  I always mentioned to Yuchi and Monica (in the design dept.) that the location of our company is amazing! Our location, in Huntington Beach, gives us a lot of resources.  Our showroom overlooks the ocean and surfers.  There are a lot of stores downstairs and I love the California style.  There are also a lot of restaurants with great Mexican and American style options.  Monica even tells me that she sees dolphins when she walks around during lunchtime...I haven't seen them L!

The Groove Girl Family!

The Groove Girls really act like they are a family.  When Katrina had her birthday, we all signed a card and went out to lunch to celebrate.  Jessie would cook Chinese dumplings and other authentic foods...she's such a good chef!  I got to grab dinner or lunch with almost everything and I tried so many different foods from sashimi to barbecue and Mexican.  I feel like Groove Footwear is a fast-growing company bound for success not only because everyone works so hard, but because they are such a supportive family.  I know that the days I spent in California will be my best memories ever! We did so much in such little time, I can't wait to come back again!  Thank you so much to my new Groove family for teaching me so much and taking such good care of me!

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Grooving at the MAGIC Show

SPOTTED: In the scorching desert heat on the Las Vegas strip, thousands of fashionistas flock to the convention centers.  Under the bright lights, hundreds of exhibitor's booths are being set up. What are they all preparing for? Read on my friends, because I'll never tell!

                XoXo,

                Groove Girl

As we arrived on Sunday afternoon to the Las Vegas Convention Center we knew the WWDMAGIC trade show was finally here.  We joined the hundreds of exhibitors and vendors as we sought out to find our booths.  Being one of the biggest shows of the year, we made sure to triple check our packing lists and duffle bags to make sure we had every shoe and style to show.  In a few short hours, all of our hard work was finally about to pay off!

One of the biggest shows of the year, MAGIC MARKET WEEK is often described as the Fashion Week of trade shows.  WWDMAGIC is the centerpiece of MAGIC MARKET WEEK and an industry powerhouse for creating connections, introducing fashion trends, and driving commerce within the women's fashion market.  At the show, over 30,000 buyers shop around for the latest trends and hottest styles.  Exhibitors from around the world show off their extravagant booths, hand out swag and showcase their newest lines.

Our marketing department spent weeks getting our newly redesigned booth ready for the show and did a fabulous job!  We really appreciate all of the positive feedback and complements throughout the show.  In case you missed us, our Tiffany Blue booth was draped with a whimsical sheer white fabric and inviting ruffled curtains separated by sparkling chandeliers. 
We got our order forms ready and set up our photo booth with our mustache props (if you stopped by the booth, be sure to check out the Facebook album to get a copy of your pic!). As we unpacked all of our duffle bags and unstuffed shoes, you could feel the excitement and anticipation for the attendees to be let in.  

Walking in to the first day of MAGIC, it was almost overwhelming!  With several new faces and so many new shoe styles, the Groove family sat down to discuss what was about to unfold.  Our designers pointed out which new styles we had and the fashion trend in which they drew inspiration from.  The 4 main trends for our new Spring '14 line is Classic Americana, Tribal Patterns, Geometric Shapes, and Carnival Inspired Colors.  

Our Spring line plays with bright colors, new textures and materials (like elastic and lace), subdued gladiator and comfy casual.  Shortly after set up the crowds filled in and the show had begun. These were some of our top shoes that you all couldn't stop raving about!

Before we knew it our booth was full of interested buyers and store owners with arms full of sample shoes and Spring '14 must haves.  We could hardly keep them on the shelves!  One of the most exciting parts was when we saw our featured denim star flat in the Footwear News August edition!!!  Keep an eye out for Groove Footwear in future editions and other magazines!

When the final day arrived, our voices were fading and our feet were getting tired, but being such a passionate group we never skipped a beat! All in all, the show was a major success and we are super excited to have so many of our shoes out there in your stores! Thank you so much for all of your love and support over the past week.  We can't wait to see you at the next show!!

The Groove Family

What to look for next?!?

::: Words from our intern, Ivy!  She can't wait to tell you about her experience with us :::

:::  Wondering what a Vegan shoe is? Stay tuned for an informative post about this shoe trend :::

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Groovin at the Mansion

The ESPY's Pre-Party at the Playboy Mansion

SPOTTED: Colorful lights in the trees and mansion walls, shuttle busses and limos, bunny tails, ears, and...corsets? Where did we find Groove Footwear shoes?  Keep on reading because I'll never tell!

                XoXo,

               Groove Girl

Pulling up to the mansion a beautiful white peacock has taken refuge from the camera flashes and crowds in the tree.  Right below her, on the red carpet, celebrities and athletes pose for the camera and answer reporter's questions.  As the party bus shuttle make it's way around the infamous fountain in the driveway, the view of the Playboy Mansion is picturesque (just as I always imagined...I loved The Girls Next Door and know this grand view anywhere!).

I have finally arrived to the ESPY's Pre-Party and make my way through the perfectly trimmed hedges.  It is almost overwhelming at first.  Right in front of me is the famous sculpted rock pool, complete with waterfalls and, of course, entrance to the Grado!  There are lights dangling in the trees and bushes setting the scene for a magical, almost unreal, night.

Across from the pool is a huge stage where guests sit and watch the live performances.  I am reminded more of being in a Vegas club, rather than outside in the Playboy mansion's backyard!  In their own raised, and roped off sections, I spy Snoop Dogg (or should I say Snoop Lion now??) and Jamie Foxx.

Walking through the crowd I meet several professional athletes and bunnies.  I found a group of them and took some pictures.  One of the girls complemented my outfit (dress code is cocktail attire) and my shoes!  I couldn't wait to rep my Groove chunky and spiked 'Lexus' platform heel, and was SO excited when a Playboy bunny loved them!!  I can't wait to wear another fun Groove pair to the next Playboy party!  Hmmmm...which will it be? The 'Velvet', 'Bailey', 'Venice', or the 'Topanga'?!? Well, you will just have to wait and see!

Have you worn your Groove shoes somewhere cool? Let us know and I will feature YOU in my next post and on Facebook!

What to look for next?!?

::: Let me introduce you to our new intern, Ivy!  She is getting a hands on experience here at Groove and can't wait to tell you all about it! :::

::: While we are still working on the kinks and bugs, our website will be completed by the end of the month! :::

::: I have Vegan friends, but Vegan shoes?!?  Check back to hear more about this growing trend! :::

::: Do YOU want to be a part of Groove Footwear?!? Here's your chance!  We are looking for Groove Girls on campus who want to be one of our Brand Ambassadors! Keep and eye out for our internship application SOON! :::

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Groovy Patio

Our Patio Makeover! 

SPOTTED:  They have been spray painting for hours, dozens of packages arrived to the office full of...cushions? What on earth is going on at Groove? Keep on reading you do-it-yourselfers, because I'll never tell!

XoXo,

Groove Girl

P.S.  Be sure to check out our sneak peak at our Spring '14 collection on our Facebook Page! 

It is officially summertime and that means sun, sand, of course BBQs! In honor of our summer Patio Parties we will be doing weekly, we decided to give our patio a makeover! As much fun as it was, there was a lot of work involved as well and us groove girls weren't afraid to get down and dirty! 

We LOVE our patio furniture, however, being right on the water really has taken a toll on it all.  It is because of this we kicked off our shoes and threw on our Sophie shorts to get down and dirty with spray paint!  Judging by the days the spray paint stayed on my skin, this paint job will last for a long time.  A fresh coat of paint is all we needed for it all to look brand new again!  

Next step in our patio makeover was adding some color!  We ditched the old beige cushions and upgraded them to a beautiful teal (and super comfy) set of cushions for the couches and chairs.  As for the dinning table, which didn't used to have seat cushions, we added a fun orange and white geometric print cushion!  

Last stop....SHOPPING!  We had so much fun running around to different stores collecting decorative accents, like succulents, candles, vases and bright orange pillows.  Throw in a couple bunches of bright flowers and our job is done!

All in all, our patio has been completely transformed (and now I wish I could just set up my desk at one of the couches I love being out there so much hehehe).  We are super excited to start up our Patio Parties again this summer!

What to look for next!

Our website's facelift is nearly completed! Wanna know how we Don't miss out on all of the deets! 

Meet our newest intern!  Check out what she's up to and how it's all going! 

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