Splitting time

I had a full six months to do nothing but develop DEPT728 in the very beginning, back in 2006. Following that time the economy fell, I was hit by a drunk driver, and I needed to go back to work full time. It was really tough to put aside what I was doing, and concentrate on work. For years I kept the project alive, but I didn't have the time to really push the clothing like it needed to be. In a few months I will be out of a job. The company I work for has taught me a lot, and I really loved working, but my location is closing, and I will be a manager with no store. The one good thing it means for me is that I will finally have the opportunity to see what DEPT728 is really made of. LA definitely has a more health and fashion conscious customer which should love the athletic fit menswear. Hopefully this time around the world is ready for us.

All a twitter

I was mindlessly checking my phone last week as I waited at the bank. It was a random thought that I tweeted from @designerDEPT728 to @mrjoezee: you need a tee that says 'you may not think so now, but I will be right by the end of this episode.' Mostly because as the mentor of Sundance Channel's All on the Line, Joe Zee has amazing insight into the fashion industry, and also because the designers that don't listen to him wind up paying for it in the end (who goes into a huge buyer appointment, and wants to come out of it without an order, seriously!). As luck would have it, Joe Zee saw the post, retweeted it, and replied! I was super-excited! So I figured the least I could do is actually make him the tee. I had to do a little research to get his office address, and I guessed the size, so let's hope it fits, and he likes it (I'm crossing my fingers).

Inspiration

I was wandering around the flea market and found some vintage stamp numbers. The original DEPT728 logo was made from a stamp, so this seemed like a logical way to work in a print. I'm going to keep stamping away, and hopefully an interesting textural print will emerge for a new collection.

Joe Zee Is a Genius

I have been watching the current season of "All on the Line" with Joe Zee from Elle magazine. I love his insight into fashion designers' business, and I have been inspired by all the success each designer on the show (except for a few that didn't listen to the valuable feedback) have experienced. Even though I have been laying low for a while I am newly re-committed to developing DEPT728. In an ode to Joe I am going to start making the new women's pieces that I have been sketching, and fleshing out the women's collection. Though the menswear was the original concept we have always sold a lot of the very limited women's pieces, and it's time to take that information, and run with it. By this summer I would like to have more tops, dresses, swimsuits, and even a pant in the collection. Wish me luck!

Westcoastin'

LA is full of fit guys (and girls)! Low carb, organic, and fresh are the buzz words out here, and the athletic bodies are the result of this trend. It's fun for me to walk around and watch all the people, and what they're wearing. I am so excited to find the right boutiques for DEPT728, I think i'll stay!

Midwest to West Coast

For a long time I really thought that I would spend my whole life in Chicago. I love the city, and I feel a deep connection to the area. Recently, though, I took it upon myself to go somewhere new. I am now a resident of Los Angeles, and I am excited to get to know the new city. Things are definitely different here. I find that more of the people I interact with are creative, and a lot more of the men in the area are the athletic build that DEPT728's athletic fit t-shirts are made for! I may not be at home yet, but I think LA will grow on me.

Pop! Culture

For some strange reason I have really been drawn to only one of the "contest" shows on reality television. Sean, who is able to update anyone as to the current status of every contestant on American Idol, does not share my extreme enthusiasm in America's Best Dance Crew. True, both of these shows involve Randy Jackson, but they are different in nature. The clothing of a few American Idol contestants cannot compare with all the theatrical gear of the teams competing for the ABDC title. Groups of dancers choosing to either match completely, or coordinate is far more enticing to me as a viewer. In all of its seasons I have yet to actually cast a vote. My fascination is truly about body, movement, and clothing. So here I am watching the beginning of season 3, and I am excited to see what everyone will be wearing.

In Process

Last weekend we went to the Indie Designer Market in Chicago. This second time around we really had a great response from customers coupled with a lot of sales. I am so proud of the fact that anonymous people will own my garments, and love them. Hopefully I will run across someone I don't know wearing my dress (all the pieces we sold were women's clothing). The favorites this weekend were the tie dress, the women's swimsuit, and the criss-cross halter top. Also, I cannot wait until the website launches at the end of August...27 days to go!

Being a Square

Men at the beach fall into 3 different categories: Guys who work out, guys who are naturally thin, and those who should be wearing a t-shirt. For some reason I have seen the swimsuit of choice for most men be distinctly against the type of body they have. For example, there have been quite a few times that a man who needs to get to a gym show up at the beach in a Speedo, and the guy with the 6-pack is lounging in a pair of long board shorts. While everyone should feel comfortable at the beach I don't think that a big man in a small Speedo is good for the other spectators who will be subjected to the view. On the other hand, though, the muscular guys really should look into more revealing swim wear. The board shorts are fine, but square cut swimsuits are far more exciting. Someone who works that hard on his body should really show more off. It used to be that small bathing suits on men meant that they only belonged to certain parts of society, but I think that it's about time for the square cut to make it into mainstream society. Women have already passed the point where backless and super short dresses are considered acceptable attire so men should be given a little slack as well. Besides, us girls will be much more tempted to go sightseeing at the beach.

Niche

Just because something is available to buy does not mean that it is in style. Most of the time people justify buying inappropriate clothing with the fact that someone is selling it. Each person has a unique shape. Because not everyone looks the same, not everyone can wear all of the trendy looks. I, for one, cannot do the very billowy tops with shorts. Being curvy means that I can look like I am wearing a tent very quickly. Petite girls, however, will look lovely in that sort of look. It is trendy, but it is not a look for me. Conversely, the 1940's pinup style bathing suits look amazing on me, and the tiny girls will not get the same effect. So when you are shopping, be selective. Choosing the most flattering of the trendy looks for your shape is the best way to go. Just because it's on a rack doesn't mean it is meant for you. Happy summer shopping!

xoxo,

Ruth

Taking it to the Streets

This weekend we will be participating in the Randolph street market in Chicago's west loop area. I am excited to have the ability to sell my clothes directly to the customer. Face to face contact with the people wearing the clothing is a great way to get inspired to make new pieces. It also helps me see the garments on different bodies so I can further refine the fit of each piece. While there is no way to fit every single person in one set of clothing I will try to get the majority. Also, nothing is a warmer, fuzzier feeling that seeing someone so excited to wear something you created yourself. For that alone I am going to have fun this weekend. Come see us by checking out www.indiedesignermarket.com for information.

Orange

Recently I was watching TLC's What Not to Wear, and Clinton was expounding on the virtues of the color orange for blondes with blue eyes. He, just like myself, had originally thought that a color as intense as orange would be overwhelming to anyone with fair coloring. Turns out that orange can be very attractive on blondes. Since blue and orange are opposites on the color wheel it definitely makes blue eyes pop. Also, blonde hair and fair skin can be warmed up by orange. While tangerine is probably a better way to start, many hues of orange exist. What a rather juicy thing to try out this summer.

xoxo,

Ruth

P.S. The orange shirt above is one of the new styles that Dept728 will launch especially for the Indie Designer Market in Chicago.

The Launch

I was so pleased with the way the uniforms came out for the Underground's "Treated Thursdays." Hopefully the Chicago Indie Designer Market next weekend goes just as well.

What to Wear

Next Thursday is the launch party at the Underground. Sean already knows what he wants to wear, but I am still deciding. The criss-cross halter top is really great, but because I am busty I don't know if that would be appropriate for press photos that may be taken at the event. I think I will opt for the morph skirt worn as a tube top (gotta love a skirt that can be a dress or a tube top) over jeans. It will be simple and still very true to the line. What I love about our women's collection is the multi-functional garments. Menswear is something that has to be a bit more concrete in its use, but women's clothing can be multi-purpose. Each line lets me work with different parameters, and appreciate each project for it's own highlights.
xoxo,
Ruth

Fittings

I am pleased that the uniforms for the Underground came out well. Seems that without anything but minor alterations on one piece they all fit very well. I am so happy that they will make a statement on Thursday May 15th. This will be the first publicized event for Dept728. I am ecstatic that it will be a positive impression.
xoxo,
Ruth

Short Shorts

The summer is has officially begun. Shorts of all lengths are now totally wearable, and acceptable in many different situations. For professional looks, women can incorporate walking shorts (just above the knee) with sport coats and cardigans. For night the short-short can be worn as long as a few rules are observed: First, the woman wearing the shortest shorts must have great legs. Clothing should highlight your best feature so if your legs are not the most complimented part of your body it would be best to stick with a longer short. If your legs are beyond amazing then wear those short shorts with pride! The second thing to consider is the shoes to go with such short shorts. Last night, Kid Sister performed at The Underground club in Chicago in a great pair of short shorts paired with a peep toe stiletto shoe. Feminine high heels are the best bet when revealing your gams in order to give the correct tone and shape to the leg in a sexy, feminine way. The last thing to make sure of is hydration. Showing skin means making that skin gleaming and smooth. Firming lotions with a little bit of shimmer are the best. With glowing skin, great legs, and some hot high heels you are all set! Rock those shorts ladies!

Launch Party

The launch date for the uniforms I have been working on has been set. Next Thursday, May 1st, we will be unveiling the military-meets-mod minidresses and the men's "stained" t-shirts in our engineered athletic fit. The party will be at the Underground in Chicago. I am so excited!
xoxo,
Ruth
P.S. For a look at the club to see my inspiration visit http://www.theundergroundchicago.com/

Update: The launch party is moved to May 15th. Any Chicagoans are welcome to come out and see us!

The Birds...

The warmer weather tends to bring about more opportunities for men and women to engage in flirtatious behavior. Remember that the more there is to look at the longer the female eye will will stay in one place. Take a chance with your spring wardrobe and give us girls something to compliment. Even the most shy girl will take the opportunity to compliment an attractive, well dressed man. Make that work in your favor this season.

xoxo,

Ruth

Warm and Fuzzy

The one great (and simultaneously bad) thing about Chicago weather is that it never gets warm too quickly. It allows us to bring out our spring wardrobe's slowly while incorporating some of fall's staples as well. Lightweight jackets, sport coats with sweaters, and hoodies still have a place in our closet's rotation. Fun, light colored jackets are only appropriate when the spring is here. Otherwise, most of those colors in jackets are reserved for only post-retirement set who live in Florida most of the winter.

xoxo,

Ruth

P.S. Dept728 makes a fabulous buff and beige fleece that you can see at http://www.dept728.com/jk1x.html

Poppin My Collar

Anything that frames the face is very important. Collars are the closest part of a garment to the face for most men. The scale of the collar is as important as the shape of it. A wider collar will balance a man's wider jaw, and a smaller collar will work best for a man with a longer face. A gentleman with a wide face who wears a smaller pointy collar is only accentuating the negative. Balance is the key to the most attractive look for each person. As for suiting, the full spread collar is almost never necessary unless you are a very broad gentleman and will be wearing a full Windsor knot tie. Jacket collars are supposed to be consistent with the breadth of the shoulders. Wider lapels can be best on a broader guy, and narrower collars on smaller builds. Peaked lapels are now considered completely acceptable. As long as the lapel is not in high contrast to the jacket, which will still look a little disco, and will need the right type of guy to pull it off (who must be under 30 or a rock star).

xoxo,

Ruth