Monday, February 28, 2011

Urban Outfitters is TOO Hilarious in Spring 2011

As we explored in this past post about thrifted styles that Urban Outfitters copied for Holiday 2010, it's no secret that the company has been successful in marketing a sort of young, hip thrifted style for totally jacked up prices. Not suprising, then, that one of the major new "trends" that Urban is touting for this spring is one that I was thrifting like mad last year—the nautical, color blocked, preppy look. In particular, the "St. James Regatta" "trend" is one that, according to the Urban website, is defined by "colorblock detailing, nautical stripes and classic pieces, juxtaposed with quirky patterns." Puke—any trend that includes the use of the word "quirky" to describe it should be immediately flagged as one that should actually substitute the word "boring" in its place.

I mean, really, check out the "cover" of the Urban March 2011 catalog:


Doesn't it sort of remind you of this:

Color Blocked Tshirt

(note: I've since cropped this top so it is even more Urban Outfitters friendly)

Or this:

Striped Polo

Or this:

Geo Shortsleeved Sweater

How 'bout that? A short sleeved sweater (perfect for my spring look) that also follows the Urban rule book of nautical themes and bold color? (Note: there is a sweater very much like this in the "Early Spring 2011" catalog that annoyingly ceases to exist on their website. But trust me, they had one like it).

A bag that would look nice with this "quirky" look:

Large Black and White Canvas Tote

And if my Bath & Body Works color-blocked bag is too pedestrian, I can always bring out my vintage Dooney & Bourke bag:

Dooney and Bourke Purse

And of course these (because long sleeved striped tops=french=classy=rich=what rich people wear=Urban Outfitter's shoppers):

Striped Top
Vintage Long Sleeved Striped Shirt

These shorts (including my green ones I just blogged about) would also fit the bill:

Shorts
Sheer Shorts

Yes, apparently pleated bottoms are still totally in.

Or how about these decidedly preppy shoes I was so into last year (and also the Keds I am continuing to rock this spring):

Sperry Boat Shoes
Brand new Keds
Penny Loafers

These dressier sandals of mine also seem to work for the ladies:

White Sandals
Biviel Wedge Sandals
White sandals

Comm'on Urban—give us something to work with here!

On the plus side, however, MPLS's own Annie Larson, who makes amazing knit pieces with crazy colors and patterns has gotten a shout out from the store as being a sweet up-and-coming designer. That in mind, it's nice to see that Urban is at least supporting independent designers. So congrats to Annie!

4 comments:

  1. GREAT post. and yeah, urban outfitters is a bit too pedestrian for me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. i love that white flowy top! you guys should make that your next giveaway pleeeease

    ReplyDelete
  3. oh wait those are shorts? well nonetheless...!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ohhhhhh good to know there is a contender for a next off! Even if they are shorts...they could always become a top!

    ReplyDelete