From Rags to Riches: Urban Outfitters’ Spring Collection

If you’ve been to Urban Outfitters lately, you may have noticed what Trend Consultant refers to as TMT, short for TOO MUCH TREND. If you’re not sure of where there is an Urban near you, just listen for the irritating sound of gold-painted metal banging against plastic (i.e., cheap jewelry) and you’ll find the Overpriced Bohemian Pirate Gear Superstore!



Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to layering complimentary pieces or to wearing some of the swishy, flowing skirts and long, beaded necklaces you see around, but there comes a point when it’s just too much. Hence, the fitting term TMT. I’m referring to Urban’s displays of bohemian-style layers upon layers, regardless of whether the colors or prints are complimentary in any way, with layers of even more mismatched, obviously cheap jewelry piled on top. Throw on a vest and Voila! You’re wearing the ultimate in raglady chic. That’s another thing I’ve noticed -- most of Urban’s new styles look like a bunch of rags sewn together. (See photos).

Which brings me to another topic: Urban’s “Renewal Couture” line. From what I gather, this involves two things: (1) vintage pieces, relevant or not, with a fancy label (e.g., “70s Day Dress”) and price tag (e.g., $80.000, as one tag was clearly mislabeled, and (2) old pieces hastily stitched onto other ones – sometimes with a zipper and sometimes without – also attached to a high price tag. The green/pink number pictured on the right was priced at $198. The top has no back and I believe the pink sash (?) is sold separately.

Now, why would I drop $80 on a dress that looks something my grandmother was buried in? And even if I wanted a dress like that, I’d go to an actual THRIFT STORE (yeah, remember those?) and find one for under $20.

Urban is still good for a few things, however. My roommate and I walked out with a totally cute and affordable burnt orange carpet for our living room, and we scoured the sale racks (which are now an additional 50% off the sale price!) and came up with some really decent pieces. I paid $15 for one of those lacy, vintage-like capelets that I thought might top off a strappy sundress for the office. Although one friend said it looked like something that someone might bring you back from a foreign country and you’re like, “Uh, thanks, dude.” Or as Trend Consultant calls it, “something that looks like it came from ‘Target World Bazaar.’ ”

The sale rack’s also got some of those gaucho pants, ladies, if you wish to sport reverse cameltoe again this season;)