Opitz has menswear too!

The ladies of the Twin Cities are lookin’ chic in designer labels found at Opitz and we can’t forget the men! Whether its your husband/boyfriend, father, brother, or friend, there are great buys at Opitz for the dashing men in our lives! If you haven’t introduced  them yet, why not!?! They’ll  become as addicted as you to the great prices, brand names, and handsome styles.

I was flipping through the latest GQ magazine the other day and was inspired by the tailored yet fun, casual looks we’re seeing for men. We like to play with texture and color in our wardrobe and the guys can too. Here are some inspiration photos I’d love to see on guys around the Cities. Be brave! You CAN wear pink! Cheers.

Most of these taken from GQ website. Check it out for TONS of fabulous photos of  (gorgeous) stylish men!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRINGE IS IN!! Get it at Opitz!

Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, DKNY, and other top designers have debuted some  fun  fringe for fall.

(From left to right, Cavalli, Ralph Lauren, Versace)

Its been on your boots and bags, now add it to dresses, jackets, and heels! If you can’t pull off the full, swinging frocks, add fringe  accessories ; ) 

The key to looking chic and fashion forward in fringe and not frumpy or “costumed” is to choose luxe fabrics and keep the colors in the same family. If you’re choosing a necklace like one shown above, keep the rest of your outfit simple. Skinny cigarette pants, a vneck tee and a bold necklace say you’re on top of the trends and you don’t even have to try!

Add a bag or belt. Or shoes! OR if you’ve got the legs and height to pull ‘em off, go for the fringe boots ; ) As always, Opitz has new goodies arriving all the time and you’ll be sure to see some fringe. Cheers!

Tory Burch

Jeffery Campell

Found on Etsy! Cute!

BURBERRY! at Opitz. Yum.

Why are the iconic plaid checks for Burberry so attractive? Burberry is known for its fine craftsmanship, luxurious materials, long lasting wear and style, and classic designs. Invest in a Burberry trench coat and it will never go out of style. You’ll get compliments on your trench or pea coat after owning it for a week, 6 months, 3 years, 10 years!

Opitz has a large collection of Burberry apparel and accessories in for this week. Thought the earmuff craze died in the 80′s? Not if they’re nova check earmuffs!

 

Scarves add a hint of color and texture to outfits, I never leave home without one. (I find them helpful for cold restaurants too, when you don’t want to eat with your coat on!) *Pair a Burberry scarf with any coat you own. ‘Nuff said.

 

Sexy on guys too, would make a great gift!

NOW for the coats. If you haven’t checked out the Burberry website, I highly suggest you do it. It will absolutely make you want to rush out and buy a Burberry coat right away. Looking at the site and you want to be that cool. Luckily you shop at Opitz so you’ll have money left over for lunch! Cheers!

  Classic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plaid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leather trim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wool Check.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MENS. Oh my!
  

 

Fall Trends

As the days get darker and cooler, its (gulp) time to start thinking about your winter wardrobe and wearing socks and shoes; not just flip flops everywhere. Sad face.

There are some super cute trends for fall though and it can be kind of fun mixing and matching your warm weather pieces with chunky fabrics and wools.  Think lace and light colored silks with leather and chunky cable knit sweaters.

This post is on leather! And how to wear it tastefully to work or out to dinner and not look like a dominatrix!

The key for us Minnesotans is warmth. We need to stay warm while not sacrificing our great sense of style. A great place to start is your hands and feet. Long leather gloves and a 3/4 sleeve, vintage style, cropped jacket with skinny jeans and boots is so chic for fall. Layering adds warmth and purpose and when you’re indoors, you can easily un-layer. There are so many styles of boots this fall. A wedge heel is comfortable,  rubber soles prevent slipping on slick surfaces, and leather or suede ones will keep your toes warmer than non leather boots. A tall boot worn with leggings and a skirt is great for the office. Slouchy, suede, ankle boots are fun for a more casual look. They can be work with skinny jeans or your blackest tights and favorite skirt.

Invest in a cute leather bomber jacket! Details like top/edge stitching, fur collars, shearling, fun colors, and unique buttons set yours apart from the “Wilson’s Leather” look. Small jackets and blazers were seen all over the runways and are great for fall, worn with your favorite scarf.

Getting more brave? Leather skirts and pants! You can definitely pull these off if you’re not dressed head to toe in leather and if you mix and match materials. You also need to wear the right leather for your body type. Shiny leather will look different on the body than a more faded/matte leather. Wear a leather skirt (or pants) with a soft, drapey top. Pair lace and frilly/girly accessories with sleek masculine leather pieces. Keep proportions in check, if your leather skirt is fuller and longer, wear a simple, fitted top. Add an oversized mohair or cashmere sweater to tight leather leggings.

Check Opitz’s stock for trendy, unique designer pieces that will become a staple in your winter wardrobe. More items being added everyday. Cheers!

 

 

 

Claim your prize!

 For the ladies who posted on the blog; go down to Optiz Outlet, tell them your name and that you have a prize for posting on the blog! Ask for the manager and they will have your $5 Opitz bucks. Thanks for reading the blog! Comments, ideas, thoughts, questions ALWAYS encouraged. Don’t forget to tell us what you scored with that extra $5 bucks! Cheers! XOXO

 

 

 

Let us know you’re reading the blog!

We know we have fans, and we want to hear your voice! Tell us about your recent purchase at Opitz outlet, where you wear it, how you wear it, why you love it and get a $5 gift card to Opitz Outlet!

The first 15 customers to comment on our blog will receive a $5 gift card to Opitz Outlet. It’s just our way of saying thank you for the continued support and love!

 

Use your $5 gift card to buy a dress and get one FREE!! Don’t forget to find a pair of shoes to match. Free pair of shoes with any shoe purchase too! Or a new pair of jeans, a girl (or guy!) can never have too many jeans. We’ve got Current/Elliott, J Brand, Citizens of Humanity, William Rast, just to name a few…. Cheers!

OPITZ OUTLET is GREEN!

It’s very trendy to reduce, reuse, and recycle  now more than ever. There are plenty of articles showcasing earth friendly products, tips and tricks for reducing energy use, and ideas for reusing items. Opitz Outlet has been open 25 years, selling amazing product sourced from many venues for many different reasons. It’s in the family of recycling…and now the company is taking steps to be even more green. The paper postcards sent out each week will be phased out, and Opitz Fans will get email flyers instead. The company got rid of paper products in the warehouse kitchen and employees bring their own reusable containers,  flat ware, and water bottles!   All paper and cardboard products are recycled. Plastic bags are reused. Opitz Outlet is doing their part, and so are you! Designer clothes are made to last. Shopping for quality (one item lasting you 10 years) over quantity (10 items lasting you 1 year), in my opinion, is also a way to be green! Opitz only carries authentic designer brands, pieces that will last you through many seasons AND you save up to 70-90%!

Going on right now is the Opitz Tent Sale! There are thousands of women’s shoes; all syles, sizes and brands. Show off your pedicure in a new pair of sandals (or four!) This sale is 2 weeks only ending July 26th at 9 pm. Be sure to check this out!

This weekend is the $5, $3, $1 sale – All items are $5 on Saturday, $3 on Sunday, and $1 on Monday. Closed Tuesday to restock! These sales are always fun if you love the rush of a super bargain ; )

Before I end this post and conclude with some inspirational photos, I’ll remind you of the Opitz Outlet email club. Get special invitations, offers, discounts, and weekly notices about sales. You can sign up here:  http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001pRmNkNNhb39JU64hK0tYMw%3D%3D

 

 

Elizabeth&James.

 

 

Vince Camuto.

Made from pop tabs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newspaper!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Shopping! Cheers.

 

 

Wear your designer dress and sit pretty in designer furniture!

We all love looking fabulous in our designer clothes from Opitz. Have you heard of The Lab?!? Opitz has an outlet for designer furniture and home goods. You design your wardrobe with unique, couture pieces. Now you can design your kitchen,  bedroom and bathroom with exclusive, upscale home decor! And don’t break the bank. Housewares are discounted 70-90% off. Its a MN take on the Paris Flea Markets! Think furniture, art, lamps, chandeliers, and rugs. Find The Lab at 4838 W. 35th St. St Louis Park. Hours are 12-4pm Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Get on the mailing list for special sales and to read the fine print. Here’s some inspirational photos to get you motivated! (taken from my fave interior design mag, r.i.p DOMINO) Cheers!

                   

You can be a fashion designer too!

A couple months ago, I blogged about repairing damaged clothing and how you can salvage a lot of great pieces. This post is going to be about YOU as the designer,   ideas for making over a piece, and creating one-of-a-kind apparel for cheap!  I was inspired by a COSMO story, “Project Runway” in their funfearlessfashion section,  and also, just when I’m out shopping or people watching. For example, in New York, seeing tons of clothes and thinking to myself, “I can make that for half the price!”  (hey, I’m an Opitz fan, I like a good deal!) Here are just a few ideas, the possibilities are endless though!

Emma Watson is ADORABLE and her short pixie cut looks so chic with this edgy, studded trench coat. Create your own using Dome nail heads (just google the name and a bunch of sites will come up). Decide where you want them, on the collar, sleeves, belt, pockets, (wherever, you’re the designer!) and how many. Push them into the fabric, turn inside out, and press the spikes down with a coin or other small flat tool.

“Stud” your bag, a pair of jeans or shorts, a t-shirt, belt….or instead of metal studs, use crystals or sequins from your local craft store. Here’s an example of a simple tee embellished with crystals. It would look super cool with the metal studs.

Fringe is in! Michael Kors is doing a lot with fringe on his purses! I’m excited about making a “fringe tee”. These are super easy, because you can cut jersey fabric and you don’t have to worry about the ends fraying. Take any t-shirt, I prefer to cut off the sleeves of shirts with pit stains! -cut around the neckline to create a wider neck opening, and start cutting strips as far up as you want! You can put knots in some of the strips, braid them, weave with ribbon…..here’s an inspiration photo ; )

Make a graffiti dress like Alexander Wang or Cynthia Rowley did. There are markers you can buy that won’t wash out, spray paints, puffy paints, iron on crayons. Make a sketch so you have an idea of what you want to draw/paint on your piece. Look up quotes, images, Dadaist paintings and contemporary artists for inspiration… there are aisles of treasures at your local craft store you can use to adorn clothing and accessories! Safety pins, studs, sequins, buttons, ribbon, glitter, paint, markers, pieces of crocheted fabric, rosettes, flowers, chain, pom pom balls, fringe, on and on!

***Opitz has air conditioning! Cool off and find great designer deals. For projects like these, get your basics at Opitz. You’ll make a designer item even more unique because you embellished/altered it yourself, for up to 90% off! Stay cool Opitz Fashion Enthusiasts! Thanks for reading, have a fabulous 4th.

 

Phone apps that make shopping at Opitz even more fun!

You’ve been here; you’re shopping solo and you come across something you love and you’re not sure if it looks good on you or if you already have something similar…what do you do? Stand in the dressing room for an hour turning around and around, trying to figure out if this skirt makes your butt look big? Call or text friends and wait to get a reply back? Try to mentally scan your wardrobe (even all the clothes laying on the floor) to see if this particular item will be a yay or a nay?

I came across a few phone apps that have great reviews and help you save time and money (it might be cheaper somewhere else, or a vote from the community might say it’s a nay saving you from spending $$$$ on something you’ll never wear) We all know there’s TONS to find at Opitz and it might be nice to have some help on deciding over the Marc Jacobs tailored trousers or the Chanel high waist jeans, or both!

Here’s the list, let me know what you think or if you have a fashion phone app you love. Iphones seem to be the easiest for this type of app use…Thanks for reading! Its warm out today! Go find a new sun dress at Opitz ; ) Happy shopping!

LOVE IT OR LOSE IT ( iphone) $1.99-    Get instant fashion feedback when you need it! Send photos, up to 3 at a time (from the dressing room, the store, the house, wherever!) to friends or the Love It or Lose It community and get quick help deciding what to buy or what to wear. “Which dress looks best on me?” ”Which purse should I buy?” Love It or Lose It can help!  (taken from the apple website)

STYLE BOOK (iphone) $3.99-    Stylebook lets you take photos of your own clothing, organize it by categories, and then help you build outfits, make packing lists, and build custom Polyvore-like collages. Don’t buy a belt you already own. Check to see if the skirt in question will match the sweater you have in mind….save notes, share inspiration! http://www.stylebookapp.com/features.html

DREAMCLOSET (iphone) $.99    Keep your whole wardrobe right in your pocket and make shopping, dressing and getting feedback from friends easier.  If you love building outfits in Polyvore or shopping online, this is the perfect app for you. Dream Closet isn’t just about organizing the clothes you HAVE, like other apps, it’s about collecting the ones you WANT. Use the easy in-app browser to quickly import items into your Wish List, and even add a link so that you can remember where to go back and purchase later. (info taken directly from website, http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dream-closet/id380668554?mt=8# )