In Our Modest Opinion...

Designer Profile: A Vitzu Original

Here at Funky Frum, we are always in search of new lines to carry. We like to bring diversity to the collection and give you a chance to wear something no one else has in your area. 

On our last buying trip to New York we met with Leah Weisz, head designer for A Vitzu Original. A young designer with a fresh new line, Leah wowed us with her work. Funky accents and great trims make her tops really special and we had to have them! Check out our A Vitzu Original tops - Treasure, Lady Godiva, and Red Label.

 

With tops as unique as these, we knew there would be a great woman behind them! We asked Leah to introduce herself and the line to our chic shoppers… and here’s what she had to say!

How did you come up with the name A Vitzu Original?

Vitzu's my middle name!

 

Where are you from and how did you get into fashion?

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I have always loved fashion and started designing my own clothing when I was in high school. I felt there was a need for cool, funky, and modest clothing for everyday. I was sick of the typical Jewish look - consisting of the long black skirt and the same shirts that we all see. So, when I was in college, I decided to pursue my dream.

 

What inspires your line?

Many things inspire my line including different fabrics, trends, and designs.

What’s the biggest challenge you face when designing?

My biggest challenge is putting together fabrics and designs that flatter all body types. I really want every woman to feel confident and happy when she's wearing a Vitzu.

How would you best describe A Vitzu Original?

I hope that Vitzu branches to everyone who wants to dress modestly. It's fun, original, and different!

Incorporating Color Into Your Wardrobe

One of the funkiest things about Funky Frum is that we offer our customers a wide variety of styles - from basic black to polka dot prints and vibrant colors. While some of our customers are unsure of color, some find that they’ve just fallen into an all black rut - - and they want more.

Funky Frum fashionistas to the rescue.  We’re here to help you incorporate color into your basic wardrobe and advise on what will suit you best!

With the millions of colors in the spectrum, where does one start when trying to find colors that work for them?

1)      We say to think about what colors you are naturally drawn to – whether cool blues, warm reds, or neutral browns.

2)      What garments/colors garner you the most compliments: is it that green blouse that makes your hair look ravishing?

3)      Finally, consider your personal colors - do you have dark or light hair? Olive or pale skin? What are your natural undertones? Are they yellows or blues?

Answering these questions will help determine a general color palette - cool (blue, green, purple) or warm (red, orange, yellow, fuchsia).

Once you’ve determined your general color palette think about the tones of the colors. 

1)      Jewel tones look excellent on everyone (and are always popular in fall and winter). 

2)      Pastels look good on most people, with the exception of those with very pale skin.

3)      Bright colors look best on tanned and darker skin tones; they can be quite harsh if not worn in small quantities on paler skin.

The next time your husband/boyfriend/roommate is lost looking at drills in Home Depot, wonder over to the paint section and look at all the paint chips. Holding them up to the underside of your arm will help determine if the color is a good, natural match for you.  Find some colors that work and have them handy when shopping.

Now that you know what colors to wear, how do you go about incorporating them into your outfit?

1)      If color is something that you’re still unsure of, try starting by adding a colorful accessory – a piece of jewelry, scarf, belt, bag, or hat. This is also a great, inexpensive way to bring color to an all black wardrobe. (We especially love our Flower Scarf and hats.) 

2)      Next, consider tops - easy to wear with a black skirt or under a basic color jacket or sweater. Our ideas? The Classic ¾ Sleeve tops always come in fun colors as well as the basics and they are easy-to-wear/easy-to-wash and very well-priced. Other tops at Funky Frum are Red Label and Sweet Pie. Shimmer is a great option for those that like a neutral palette but want to add some fun. 

3) Skirts will demand a little more attention. We offer great color skirts, such as Plumberry, Jazz, and Material Girl; or, another way to add color subtly is via a printed skirt, such as Geranium which is mostly basic with a pop of purple.

Color is something that can be embraced by everyone!  It can do wonders to your skin, eyes, and hair, and also be great conversation pieces. Even if it’s only pink lipstick or red shoes, adding a touch of color should be fun and exciting. Start with these simple suggestions and one day you may find yourself purchasing a bright colored trench coat!

Style Icon: Plum Sykes

Plum Sykes is the British-born fashion editor of American Vogue and author of “chick lit’ books Bergdorf Blondes and The Debutante Divorcee.

A socialite woman with access to all things fashion, she isn’t overbearingly fashionable and doesn’t flaunt her wealth. She’ll wear a special piece - like a fur scarf or ruffled jacket - with basics and normally dresses in pastels and neutral tones. She keeps her hair, makeup, and accessories minimal and tasteful.

By maintaining a modest look - not only in skirt length but also in upkeep - she comes off as refreshingly soft,  professional, and mature. And we love her look!

Staff Favorite: Bridal Edition

Love is in the air at Funky Frum! Our design and merchandising associate, Claire, was married on September 27 (!!!) and she has so graciously shared with us some of the best products she found on her way to matrimony.

What’s a wedding without a delicious, show-stopping cake! Cake making extraordinaire Pat Rutherford-Pettine, of Sugaree Baking Company in St. Louis, sat down with Claire and fiancé Jeremiah to design the couple’s dream cake. One of the first places they turned?  Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes (www.marthastewartstore.com)! Inspirational for more than just wedding cakes, the photographs will make your mouth water as you flip through each page. Full of decorating how-to’s and delicious cake recipes, the book is a must-have for any bride-to-be or baker.

After the wedding, the newlyweds jet off to the Caribbean island of Curacao. Claire’s mother recently gifted them his and her flip flops- as they walk through the sand Jeremiah’s flip flops will leave an “I Love Her” imprint and Claire’s an “I Love Him” imprint. Perfect for any destination wedding or beach honeymoon, this gift contains a message they’ll be able to wear for years to come! Available at www.exclusivelyweddings.com.

As a thank you to her mother, sister, mother-in-law and sister-in-law Claire presented each lady with Funky Frum’s Third Anniversary Necklace. Having struggled with an eating disorder in college, Claire’s mother and sister played an important roll in her recovery; and her new mother- and sister-in-law helped raise a wonderfully compassionate man that has helped Claire maintain a healthy lifestyle, explore new foods, and feel an overall love of self. The National Eating Disorder Association is a cause close to Claire’s heart and what’s a better way to say “thank you” than through a beautiful donation and commemorative piece of jewelry.

Are you a bride-to-be, newlywed, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride? What are some of the best bridal products, tricks, or tips you’ve discovered? We’d love to hear from you!