What better way to introduce one of our brand new labels than with a picture of CHARLIE MURPHY rocking it?!

Fresh to the eModa family is Blac Label, a brand you might have heard about in the stir of Hollywood, LA or Miami, but now we’re bringing it to the world!

By combining a fascination of men’s couture with an everyday sensibility, Blac Label Premium was created.

Conceived in 2002 during the saturation of novelty t-shirts with simple screens and catchy sayings, Blac Label Premium has evolved with innovative designs, original concepts, and stylish trends. The increased sophistication of the male shopper and his desire for premium denim produced a need for tops that reflected the same complexity and growth that had ushered in the denim renaissance. Blac Label set out to fill that void with designs that were clever, intense, resilient and attractive.

Our original collection was inspired by the high energy and flair evident in the people of Miami. After initially greeting this line of tops with skepticism, retailers and consumers have certainly come around. It took some time but persistence has prevailed.

Blac Label Premium is steadily developing from a t-shirt company into a true lifestyle brand. While elaborate t-shirts remain the foundation of the company and its success, they design, market, and distribute full collections of men’s and women’s apparel throughout the United States. These collections will soon include accessories and boys’ apparel.

Blac Label was pioneered to be a leader in the fashion industry. By bringing quality fabrics and applications together, they are constantly enhancing the attributes of their products while searching for uncompromised characteristics and veracity consistent with the brand’s intentions. The essence of the brand is defined by great attention to detail and a youthful obsession for the right cut and fit. With a touch of roughness, the all-American look of Blac Label Premium has always been original.

The brand’s lively philosophy is conveyed through their design awareness. Blac Label Premium honors the human form, inspired by the very real men and women who are the true inspiration. The company has always been on the forefront of creativity, setting trends and wrapping America with a unique style. Their approach is bright, stylish, modern and fresh in every sense.

Check out our collection of clothing from Blac Label and stay tuned for this amazing brand to grow with us!

This is the follow up to Jen’s question in the following blog:

Q: Dear Jean Queen, HELP! I’m moving to NYC and heard that the temperatures can get really chilly there! I am really excited about the move so I want to get some new clothes to help me fit into the city life. I want some clothes that make me look cool, stylish and casual. I would also like to be warm, can you help me find some clothes that will keep me warm and make me look fashionable at the same time? - Jen

A: Hey girl, if you thought that I had you down pat with the jeans, I’ve got a great guideline to help you look cool and stay warm this winter in New York City! I’ve broken it down into a guideline so I could help you look great without telling you exactly what to buy. I don’t want to intrude on your style, eModa is all about unique, individual style and maintaining that is super important to our shoppers! I have put together some suggestions, but the world of fashion is limitless and we want you to totally take advantage of that

For the rest of you guys…
If you’ve been plagued by pants, dicked by denim or just plain smacked by slacks, I’m your go-to-girl for all things denim. As a DIY diva, I also know just about everything about fixing, mending, making and creating. If you’ve got an issue or question, please don’t hesitate to contact me at taryn@emoda.com
I’ll answer any questions you have and the ones that get picked to go on our style blog will be sent a coupon to help them out on their next purchase, so what are you waiting for?!

Q: Dear Jean Queen, HELP! I’m moving to New York City and heard that the temperatures can get really chilly there! I am really excited about the move so I want to get some new clothes to help me fit in to the city life. I want some clothes that make me look cool, stylish and casual. I would also like to be warm, can you help me find some clothes that will keep me warm and make me look fashionable at the same time?     - Jen

A: Giiiiirrrrrrrllll, I got you! No need to stress, the Jean Queen has got all the fixings to keep you looking fresh and keep you warm! Here in Philadelphia, the temperatures can get deadly cold also, so I have actually dealt with this issue myself and I know just what you need!

The first thing I want to start off with for you is denim, because I am a denim queen! I love denim and study the trends for the upcoming seasons constantly! This fall is really exciting for denim as far as variety and comfortability. The big new thing for fall and winter is Wide Leg Denim. I hated it at first, but once I tried a few pairs on, I really liked the way they looked on my body. The best thing about Wide Legs is that they compliment just about any figure, you can wear them to work and out to the clubs and best of all, you can EASILY put a pair of thermals on underneath them. I know that when you were talking to our customer service reps they said you had mentioned that you were very concerned with being warm. I’ve put thermals on under some of my skinny jeans, but some of them are so tight and so slim that they just make my legs look like stuffed sausages, but that’s not the case with Wide Legs! I even tried my new Wide Legs on wit the thermals and they aren’t even noticeable!
Ok so here are the Wide Legs that I have picked out for you:

The first pair, the J+Company Super Wide Leg Jeans I picked for you because they have a very professional cut to them. The large hem line at the bottom looks great with a square toe shoe or high heel peeking out. The back has trouser pockets which definitely give it a more dressed up look and the modest rise of 9″ will ensure that nothing that you don’t want to hang out will be hanging out. The cloudy wash is really hot for the fall and winter seasons too, so even though these jeans are cut really serious, they are still very trendy. I love them, they are probably my favorite jeans on the site right now. Here’s the link for that pair:
http://www.emoda.com/item.asp?prodid=10928&category=&subcat=&designer=J%20and%20Company’%20%20%20alt=’J%20And%20Company%20Super%20Wide%20Leg%20Jean

The second pair there is the Frankie B Icon Script Wide Leg Jean. These jeans feature a darker wash, a lower rise and regular styled pockets. I like these jeans a lot too because the dark wash is extremely flattering to the cut which is all very flattering to my body. A win/win pair of denim if you ask me! These jeans are perfect for going out to the clubs or just going out for dinner, or both! They have a really low rise of 6.75″ which is actually a very high rise for Frankie B jeans which usually have about a 5.5″ rise. Frankie B specializes in ultra low rises, but the great thing about these jeans are that if you want to go out to the club you can wear a tank top with these and be ready for the dance floor, but with the same jeans you can just put a long shirt, tunic or dress over them and they are transformed. These are a really popular jean right now, so I highly recommend them. You can find them through this link: www.emoda.com/item.asp?prodid=11182&category=&subcat=&designer=Frankie%20B’%20%20%20alt=’Frankie%20B%20Icon%20Script%20Wide%20Leg%20Jean

If you want a slimmer legged denim, may I suggest the Monarchy Studded British Flap Flag Pocket Jeans that you can see below:

 
I love these jeans because the wash is so hot. It’s a cross between grey and light blue and the fit is amazing on these jeans too. The back pocket detail will match anything and I guarantee you won’t find a wash quite like this one. I love everything about these jeans, plus they are super versatile and truly stylish. I honestly don’t think the pictures do them justice. you can find them at this link: www.emoda.com/itembydesigner.asp?prodid=11071&category=Monarchy%20Collection&subcat=197&DID=425&ordern=Denim%20Collection

Another huge denim trend that you are going to see a lot of in NYC is colored denim. While I’m not a huge fan of colored denim myself, I really like this pair of True Religions in Cobalt Blue. I mean, they are blue, but they are a fun blue. They look great with a pair of black ankle boots (which I suggest you pick up, bc they are super hot for the fall/winter) These jeans are actually a medium weight denim so they aren’t thin, so you will definitely get your moneys worth out of them. Here’s a picture of them here:

Here’s the link: www.emoda.com/itembycollection_true_religion.asp?prodid=11473&category=&subcat=197&DID=308&ordern=Denim%20Collection

The last denim suggestion I’d like to give to you are these BLANK 1A 7001 Skinny Jeans as seen below:

These jeans are great for the clubs, great for tucking boots into, they are sexy, trendy and super slim. They aren’t warm exactly, but these jeans totally offer the bang for the buck! They only cost $68, they have a great fit and are super versatile. Just though I’d throw those ones in because they really are a great deal!
Heres the link for them: www.emoda.com/itembydesigner.asp?prodid=11450&category=BLANK&subcat=&DID=686&ordern=

I’m going to get my ideas to you tomorrow about thermal and tops as far as layering. I’ll be at the boutique so I can check out the fabric first hand.
I hope this got you excited about shopping at our store. These jeans are just a small portion of what our site has to offer.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2!

Q: Dear Jean Queen, I recently bought True Religion jeans from your boutique and while the fit was great, the length was waaaaaay too long and this is a skinny jean I am talking about. I’m only about 5′3, so I’m not really tall and I often run into this ‘too-long-fit’ many times. The only jeans that I don’t roll up are my cropped ones. I don’t want to spend money on tailoring, so how can I tailor my jeans myself without ruining the jeans? -Kate

Then press the outside of the leg until it is nice and flat.

If you’ve been plagued by pants, dicked by denim or just plain smacked by slacks, I’m your go-to-girl for all things denim. As a DIY diva, I also know just about everything about fixing, mending, making and creating. If you’ve got an issue or question, please don’t hesitate to contact me at taryn@emoda.com
I’ll answer any questions you have and the ones that get picked to go on our style blog will be sent a coupon to help them out on their next purchase, so what are you waiting for?!

Sir Phillip Green, the mastermind behind the British Arcadia Group who owns a well-known collection of retail stores throughout Europe, has been accused of using slave labor to produce clothing for his stores including the Kate Moss Collection for Topshop!

The factories that supply the stores are based in Mauritius and are worth somewhere in the range of 10 billion dollars, but could only dish out 44-81 cents an hour for the Sri Lankan, Bangladshi and Indian workers who were working nearly 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. That’s 40% less than the average wage. What’s even worse was that wage was based on the workers race, with Sri Lankans being paid substantially more than the Bangladeshi workers. Workers also told the London Times that they were recruited in their home countries by self employed agents who not only promised them wages up to five time what they would normally make, but also took up to $1,425 from potential workers to be guaranteed a steady job with the factory.

Neil Kearney of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation,  has said that “Because of the economic conditions of a country like Mauritius, companies are unable to attract local labor. Instead they recruit migrant workers, who pay a significant fee for the job. Many migrant workers who go to work in these garment factories are like slaves.”

Scared workers, who chose to remain anonymous, say that they were locked up in “dormitories” and forced to work from 7am until late hours into the night. One woman said that at the end of the day, she would lie down in bed and cry herself to sleep.

This accusation has triggered many concerns within the UK’s fashion industry and fabrication business. A former Topshop brand director has said that hopefully because of this, consumers who purchase clothing for so cheap will start to wonder where they come from.

The Arcadia Group announced their disgust today and has said that they take the codes of conduct very seriously. Sir Philip Green, who just so happens to be the one of the richest men in England, if not the richest, has said that he plans to deal with the allegations as soon as possible. Mr. Green has also said that he has sent in inspectors to oversee the workers and make sure that they are working in good conditions. He plans to address every complaint immediately.

Arcadia is one of the few high street retailers in Europe who have not signed the Ethical Trading Initiative, which is a policy set out to, in short, end slave labor.

He’s handsome, he’s handy, he’s hip; he’s Erik Brennan, and after a very VERY strenuous elimination, he’s August’s chosen eModa icon!

Why Erik? Erik has the moves, the looks and the passion that all eModa customers possess. He hits the nail on the head when it comes to the kind of image we represent. He’s confident, witty, he’s maxin’ and relaxin’ and with a successful hobby in building model cars out of recycled soda cans, this 24 year old Industrial Design student is taking Philadelphia and the world by storm.

I got to sit down with this hunk for an interview where he shared with me his love for eModa, his passion for fashion and his insatiable desire to stand out in a crowd.

Taryn- Hey Erik, so, how did you find out about eModa.com?
Erik- I was actually Google searching something totally different (images) and came across eModa.com, and really liked what I saw, so I explored.

Ta- Awesome, so what are your favorite brands on eModa.com and why?
Er- I really like the Bulzeye collection because of the designs, I like 12 symbols style, the Dom Rebel collection is one of my favorites because of the name, style, humor…I also like Great China Wall because of the glam style. All together, I really enjoy almost everything that I see on eModa.com

Ta- That rules Erik, I love Dom Rebel, its personally my favorite brand here on the site. So, you won the August icon, which is awesome, why do you consider yourself a style icon?
Er- Haha, well, because I stand out in a crowd. I think some people idolize me and my style. Also my whole life I’ve been told “You have that look man!”

Ta- You definitely have that look, haha! That’s why we picked you. So, from a stylish man’s point of view, what trends do you really like right now in fashion?
Er- Well I always shop at Express and H&M in Philly, so I like that kind of look for my basics, but, when I want to go all out, I’m really digging eModa’s styles!!

Ta- Hell yeah, ok, so we know what you like when it comes to fashion, but what trends are you totally over?
Er- Well I used to be a hardcore BMX rider, and I still kinda am, but I’m really over the BMX/Skater type of look. All the 80’s and 90’s clothes, I’m done with, I actually threw out all my old clothes and bought all new, a lot from eModa, actually. I have a more mature style now, more collars than tee’s, but, hey, the sky’s the limit with me!

Ta- That’s awesome, it’s good to be open, what sign are you?
Er- Scorpio, baby.
Ta- Ah ha, so your birthday’s coming up, how old will you be?
Er- 25

Ta- Sweet, do you listen to music a lot?
Er- Hell yea.
Ta- Who’s your favorite musical act?
Er- I love Evanescence and the singer Amy. Her voice is amazing!!
Ta- Sweet, yeah that girl has cool style too.
Er- Definitely.

Ta- So, other than the chick from Evanescence, who do you think is the best dressed celebrity right now?
Er- Honestly, I would really have to do some research to answer that appropriately… I don’t really follow that stuff, I try to keep my style to an individual level.

Ta- Wow Erik, that’s a really great philosophy! You definitely have individual style down to the tee! But what about in your life, do you have anyone that you look up to?
Er- Yeah, actually, I look up to the cast on Entourage because those guys are doing it up just how I want to do it! I also look up to my pops, he’s my favorite person.

Ta- Aw, that’s awesome, I know you have to get going but real quick, if you could change one thing about the fashion industry right now, what would it be and why?
Er- I would eliminate “the freak look” just because it makes me think of the Trench Coat Mafia, and I don’t like that…but, I’ll say this, it can be hot if done correctly.

Think you’ve got what it takes to beat out Erik in the finals? Do you want to be eModa’s style icon for September? Send in a picture to me, taryn@emoda.com, and show us what you’ve got! 
(PS: If anyone wants to know, and I know they do, Erik is single!)

Bernard Hopkins is a testament to the word solid, and we’re not just talking about his body! Besides being one of Philadelphia’s most renown athletes, Bernard came out of retirement just to kick Winky Wright’s ass and is already planning more fights and more wins.  In my exclusive interview with Bernard, he tells me about his greatest moments,the driving forces behind his success and his commitment to his work; which includes his partnership company with Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions, his insatiable dedication to charity and his new school dabbling into the world of fashion.

You can listen to the interview here:

After you check that out, Bernard gave us four signed boxing gloves to give away to 4 lucky eModa.com customers! Check out the rules and eligibility here!