Style Girl *FASHION FIX* – TREND ALERT: Silly Bandz – Just for Kids?

It’s only fitting that as the Eighties staples: off-the-shoulder tops, lace fingerless gloves and flat lace-up boots, make their way on the must-have list this season, that the jelly bracelet not be left behind.

Arm Candy, anyone? I fondly remember my multi-colored jelly bracelet collection and wondering why all the older, “cool kids” (aka: Madonna, Ricky Shroeder) were so fond of interlocking their black ones.

Well, they’re back. Sort of. A new, clever reincarnation known as “Silly Bandz”
launched by Robert J. Croak, the 47-year-old founder of Brainchild
Products (BCP) based in Toledo, Ohio is selling out in over 18,000
stores nationwide. The difference is that these particular jelly bracelets are not just bracelets for wearing. When you take them off,
they morph into an elephant, a dove or even an umbrella. Even better – some of them glow in the dark. And soon enough, Croak will introduce a UV-activated beach pack that changes color when the temperature rises.

Instead of trading PB & J for a fluffernutter sandwich, kids are
trading a green seahorse for an orange guitar, a yellow giraffe for a
pink elephant – strategically growing their Silly Bandz collection.

Kids also apparently fling the Bandz, which were inspired by stretchy animal-shaped rubber bands Croak spotted at a trade show in China three years ago, resulting in Bandz bans in some schools around the country.

Kids and their moms (most notably Sarah Jessica Parker) aren’t the only
ones turned on to this trend. It seems, even rock stars are rocking the
Silly Bandz. At the Charlie Mars show in May at The Soapbox, as my friends and I got closer to the stage, Shannon (Dunne – of James + Dunne Styling
and mother of three) leaned in and shout-whispered, “Is he wearing a
Silly Bandz?”) Sure enough, next to his yellow Live Strong band, we
spotted a zig-zagged shaped red band. I asked and he responded, “Yeap.”
Not sure which animal, but I have a feeling Charlie’s glows in the
dark…

Croak, who has sold millions (a pack of 24 costs about $5), said recently in an interview with Business Week,
“All the right people like Silly Bandz. Everyone asks who my publicist
is. I don’t have one. We don’t advertise. All we do is viral marketing.
This is happening on its own.”

Jess James and Charlie Mars at May 22 show at Soapbox

Photo: The Three Divas

Avett Brothers fan at Appel Farm in Elmer, NJ wearing a stack of Silly Bandz

Silly Bandz Photos: Jess James

Sadie and Luke Dunne’s Silly Bandz Collection

To see a video of Sadie and her Silly Bandz Collection, click HERE.

FASHION SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

First 50 to get tickets online are registered to win an Alice + Olivia top from Monkee’s.

CLICK HERE.

Caster & Cocktails Trunk Show

On June 2, fashionistas braved the torrential downpour to attend Interior Designer Debby Gomulka’s Caster and Cocktails Trunk Show featuring Doncaster’s Summer
2010 Collection featuring luxurious fabrics, flattering fit and stylish
looks for all ages and all sizes (up to 22).

For more info on Debby’s Doncaster Collection, visit www.debbygomulkadesigns.com/blog or call Debby at 910.352.7339.

L: Debby Gomulka (in printed silk Doncaster jacket)

R: Doncaster jacket and scarf paired with a statement pearl necklace from Bordeaux Jewelry

L: Design Maven Gay Adair with Brenda Hughes

R: Fashion Designer Amanda deLeon with Bordeaux Jewelry owner Tracey Bordeaux

Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids Collection Launch

On June 8, Cynthia Rowley unveiled their new Bridesmaids Collection at
Stems. Dress Fittings by Bella Bridesmaid, Floral designs by Stems,
Catering by Canape. Photography by Jennifer Bearden.

Images of the collection may be viewed at http://alan.dessy.com/cynthia_rowley/FlipBook.htm

Photo: Leslie Koehn of Gloss Photographic

Art Institute of Charleston “Welcome to the Dollhouse” Fashion Show

CHARLESTON

WHAT:
Welcome to the Dollhouse! Come and see the Art Institute’s Fashion and
Retail Marketing student’s first Fashion Show production starring
“dolls” styled by Cavortress, MEW, and Mamie Ruth. Students will
showcase their own paper doll design collection.

WHEN: Friday, June 11

WHERE: 41 Anson Street

WANNA GO?: Suggested $5 donation to benefit MODE (AII Fashion Club)

June 19

Artrageous – Summer Festival & Artwalk

Lumina Station

WILMINGTON

WHAT:

Introducing the first annual Artrageous Summer Festival & Artwalk at Lumina Station!
This spectacular art show and sale will feature work from local area
artists as well as live music, art demonstrations, Children’s Art
Workshops, Lumina Station sidewalk shopping, sales, sweet treats &
more! This exciting event will help support the Community Boys &
Girls Club of Wilmington and is FREE and open to the public. Enjoy a
day of good old-fashioned summer fun with plenty to do for the whole
family!

WIN:

Artrageous Giveaway!

Enter to win a Lumina
Station Shopping Spree & Bald Head Island Weekend Retreat…For
more info, follow Lumina Station on Facebook.

June 25

Alice + Olivia / Monkee’s Fashion Show & Trunk Show

Lumina Station

WILMINGTON

WHAT: Alice + Olivia’s nationwide traveling retro Gulfstream is setting up shop at Monkee’s
at Lumina Station. An evening of glamour is in store with a tented
event, a high-style runway fashion show and a trunk show where Alice +
Olivia’s stylists will be on hand to offer style tips and tricks.
Hair by Lavish, Makeup by Blush and yummy bites and libations from 19 Hundred. Fashion Show styled by James + Dunne Styling!

WIN: Alice + Olivia will
be giving away 3 makeovers to 3 lucky Wilmington women chosen by A+O
designer Stacey Bendet. The makeover winners will also have a chance to
walk the runway the night of the event. To WIN, post a photo or video
of yourself and 1-2 sentences on why you should win on Monkee’s
Facebook Page. To enter, click HERE.

WANNA
GO?: Tickets are on Sale NOW! $10 in advance at Monkee’s or online / $20 at the door. Proceeds will
benefit the Betty H. Cameron Women & Children’s Hospital.  First 50 guests to purchase tickets will be entered to win an Alice + Olivia top from Monkee’s!