UO Blog

From Philadelphia

05/16/13 02:45PM

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UO x Arts Thread Contest

Urban Outfitters & Arts Thread are proud to introduce the Make It Design Competition! We like to party, but we need your help getting ready! Design something amazing for our Urban Outfitter girl to wear to a party this winter. Five winning designers will receive an incredible prize package and have their pieces sold at select Urban Outfitters stores! Can you make it?!

Make It Design Competition

From Philadelphia


05/16/13 01:23PM

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What Would Ann Want?

Her? —Katie



What would Ann want?


Eggspress Heart-Shaped Egg Mold
For when she's got a hankering for a romantic mayonegg.


Diament Jewelry For Urban Renewal Vintage Name Bracelet
It doesn't matter that it doesn't say Ann. No one remembers her name anyway.


Anna Sui Rose Body Cream
I'm sure that Egg is a very nice person, but I don't want you spending all your money on diamond cream for her.


Staple Satchel Jersey Baseball Tee
Ann's low center of gravity makes her a great asset to the softball team.


A Hipster Joke Book
...She's really funny.


TLC - CrazySexyCool
She needs something to bring to the record burning party.

From Philadelphia

05/16/13 11:36AM

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Trend: Glow in the Dark

Not all things go bump in the night, some glow instead. Just like those stars you stuck to your ceiling in grade school that are still stuck there even though it's been almost 15 years. Those stars aren't burning out anytime soon, and neither is the glow in the dark trend that has been popping up! Here's what's inspiring us at the moment, followed some products to get you glowing like a worm. A really pretty, cool worm.—Ally


Alexander Wang



Johan Ku


Get Glowin':

Your fingers are now glow sticks. (Click the image above to watch this nail polish in action!)

You might only live once, but you can glow every day in this Corner Shop Tee. GLOW-LO!!!!

It's time to get out your black light, head to your local warehouse rave and dance the night away with these amazing glow-in-the-dark body paints!

Magical Thinking Wild Thing Glow-In-The-Dark Tapestry
I know what you're thinking: "No way."Well... YES way. THIS TAPESTRY SERIOUSLY GLOWS IN THE DARK. This takes things like glamping, nighttime beach parties and indoor forts to the next level. Count me in.

Stance x Lizard King Glow-In-The-Dark Sock
These socks would look so cool at that all-night kegger you're going to this weekend in the woods. Good luck trying to hide from the cops in these babies.

UO Glow-In-The-Dark Risky Sunglasses
So far, these are the only reason I can find for wearing sunglasses at night.

It's time to add a new element to your eighth grade ceiling with this Moon Wall Clock. A few more gems like this and your entire room will start to look like a Plane-arium.

You know, for when it's like... dark. Or whatever.

From Philadelphia


05/15/13 12:27PM

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Trend: Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts are all over the place right now, and we should all rejoice. Don't feel like shaving your legs? Throw on a maxi! Don't feel like having your organs crunched by high-waisted denim? Throw on a maxi! Don't feel like taking off your PJ pants? Take 'em off, and throw on a maxi! With maxis you get to feel easy breezy and look good with almost no effort. It's a win/win! Here are some of our favorites. —Katie


The Reformation X Urban Renewal Bowery Maxi Skirt


Urban Renewal Button Front Maxi Skirt


Sparkle & Fade Silky Ombre Maxi Skirt


Ecote Double Slit Maxi Skirt


Pins And Needles Silky Double-Slit Maxi Skirt


Ecote Lace-Block Knit Maxi Skirt


Silence & Noise Geo Print High-Slit Maxi Skirt

Shop Maxis

From Philadelphia


05/10/13 12:42PM

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What Would Lucille Want?

Lucille Bluth, matriarch of the eternally wacky Bluth family, is a prime example of what you shouldn't do as a parent. Whether she's guzzling vodka, or telling her children how much she doesn't care for GOB, she's always doing exactly the wrong thing. Which makes her a whole lot of fun. Let's take a look at some of Lucille's (probable) must-haves. —Katie



Lucille's Picks:


6oz. Fun Flask
Would it kill her to let some vodka go bad?


Banana Pillow
"I mean, it's one banana, Michael. What could it cost? $10?"


Toasted Coaster
Sometimes all you need in the morning is a vodka rocks... and a piece of toast.


Love: Fries By Love Food Editors
Even though Lucille's system isn't used to curly fries, I have a feeling she could learn to love them if she tried.


Star Wars Print Tee
"Here's some money. Go see a star war."


KeepCup To-Go Cup
A cup with a lid, because if she wanted something your thumb touched, she'd eat the inside of your ear.


Hippies Always Welcome Poster
Okay, except cross out the "always" part because we all know Oscar is the only hippie Lucille would touch with a 10-foot pole.

From Philadelphia


05/09/13 12:24PM

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Trend: Printed Shoes

Prints are no longer just for your body, pals. This summer, you can wear prints by way of your shoes too.  All of the best styles of shoes, flatforms, oxfords, and sneakers come in geo-prints, polka dots, tropical prints, etc etc. Literally so many options for your feet. No excuse for your outfit to be boring ever again! Vans, Converse, and Miista have some of the many brands that have the right idea. Its time to let your feet do the talking. - Maddie


Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Mixed Print High-Top Sneaker


Vans Van Doren Leopard Authentic Sneaker


Study Footwear Polka Dot Drop Sneaker


Dr. Martens Castel 8-Eye Tie-Dye Boot


Deena & Ozzy Triple-Buckle Printed Stud Flatform


Fred Perry Foxx Paisley Sneaker

Shop shoes for girls and guys.

From Philadelphia

05/08/13 03:15PM

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Trend: '90s Graphic Tees

Trying to explain the importance and awesomeness of the '90s would involve some kind of thesis-style paper that I have no time or patience to write.  Being a '90s kid automatically excuses any and all laziness we may have (I mean, come on. We grew up watching shows like Beavis and Butthead, listening to the Spice Girls and typing "777 if you like pizza" in AOL chat rooms).  It's no wonder that people want to go back in time and revive the music, movies, TV shows, killer fashion, and overall vibe of the youth.  The '90s was the best decade ever, hands down. If you miss it, or just missed it in general, relive the good times with our graphic tees of some of the most iconic '90s things ever. —Ally

This tee is simple and to the point. 1995 was a good year for OJ Simpson and a terrible one for Deadheads. Welp, at least we were able to use our new Windows 95 to talk about it online.

Kelly Kapowski Tee
Kelly Kapowski was the most popular girl at Bayside in the early '90s. Even though she'd never date a dweeb like you, wearing a shirt with her on it shows some dedication.

90210 Tee
ANOTHER mega babe from the '90s was Brenda Walsh. She went through a lot on during her time on the show, but we still can't help but be pissed about her leaving after season four to go to London. Maybe it was because the New Sunday Trading Laws in 1994 allowed shopping on Sundays in Britain.

I never really listened to Tupac, but apparently there was a big feud between him and...

this guy. Now, any dance party you go to plays a Biggie remix, sparking the "who was better" debate.  Their music may only be played for the next 30 or so years, but the debate will go on forever.

The hip hop group Wu-Tang created the acronym C.R.E.A.M., which you can find tattooed on the inside of many 20-something-year-olds' lips. C.R.E.A.M. stands for "Cash Rules Everything Around Me," but like many other acronyms, certain letters tend to get changed. In this case, the "C": cats, cookie, cake, Channing Tatum... you get the point.

Although the group formed in 1985, they released five albums between 1990 and '98. While googling the band for fun facts for this post, I realized for the first time that Quest Love is not a part of the Tribe. Bummer.

As iconic as this hip hop and comedy duo was, I do not recognize EITHER of them without Kid's hi-top fade. Someone start a "Grow It Back" petition online, please?

In the '90s, MTV was the most important channel on television. It had everything you could ask for in place and more...

MTV had Spring Break.

MTV had music.

No, seriously, MTV had music! It had everything, I promise. I wouldn't lie to you.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective gave us the chance to use the phrase "alllll righty then" after everything our parents told us to do. A life of sarcasm begins.

Ghostbusters was filmed in the '80s, but the cartoon spinoffs from the series featured the loveable, broccoli-fearing character Slimer. He was cool, and a lot of fun to draw in your notebook because he was kind of hard to mess up. All you needed to draw was a big, gloppy mess with a lime green crayon.

Bugs & Taz Throwback Sweatshirt
Cartoons were really, really cool in the '90s. Bugs Bunny and Taz the Tasmanian Devil weren't really part of that crew (except that time they were in Space Jam), but they look so hard in this sweatshirt that it's almost believable. 

Lisa Frank X UO Lips Muscle Tee
Do we really need to tell you again why Lisa Frank was the coolest woman in the world? JUST TRUST US. <3

From Philadelphia


05/06/13 10:53AM

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Comedy Couture: Buster Bluth

Buster Bluth may not have known much about fashion, but that doesn't mean he wasn't stylish. From his button-down shirts to his wire-rimmed glasses, the man exuded style. Don't believe me? Check it out. —Katie





Get the look:


OBEY Beans Polo Shirt
"Hey, brother!"


Rimmed Reader
"In fact, Buster was in Santa Ana, a town six minutes inland from his own, but the combination of losing his glasses and breathing carbon monoxide had impaired Buster's judgment."


Dockers Camo Alpha Khaki
"They're taking me in the army. They didn't think there was enough wrong with me."


Penfield Baker Bucket Hat
"They even touched my Charlie Browns."


Hanging Bike Rack
"Mom told me to stay away from microwaves. And besides, this is gonna be the most bitching fast bike in all of Orange County!"


Dry Erase World Map
"Obviously this blue part here is the land."


F'n Birthday Party Pack
"We have unlimited juice? This party is going to be off the hook!"


Domo Dino Plush Doll
"These are my awards, Mother. From Army."

From Philadelphia


(Photo credit: Svenja Trierscheid)

05/06/13 10:04AM

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Bazaaaar Pop-Up Interview: Buki Akib

Buki Akib is a Lagosian menswear designer, and we recently caught up with her to talk about style in Lagos, her favorite materials to knit, and what she's most excited to see at our Bazaaaar pop-up.



Hi Buki! Can you give our readers a little background on yourself?
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria. I grew up and studied in London. I studied fashion at Central Saint Martins in London, and I am currently living between Lagos and London.

Did you grow up knowing that you wanted to go into fashion design?
No, I always knew I was going to be an artist, which I feel I am. Fashion is just another medium I use to express my art.



How did you get your start as a designer?
I first enrolled in an illustration class at Central Saint Martins and a tutor advised me to try the fashion course, which I did, and it was there that I discovered knitting. It was a love and hate relationship, but I felt very connected to creating a fabric from just a ball of yarn. I was also assistant stylist during my studies at CSM. I really loved working on editorial shoots - they're a great space to be super creative.

What is the fashion like in your hometown of Lagos?
I have always said growing up in the city was an introduction to fashion. Lagosians take pride in what they wear. Our traditional clothes have such history and beauty.



Can you tell us a little bit about the clothing?
The Lagosian attire for Yoruba men (the southern tribe), where I'm from, usually consists of the Buba which is a box shaped shirt made out of cotton that will either hit shy of his hips or hang long to his knees; Sokoto, which are trousers that are usually quiet loose; and Agabada (this is the master piece): It's an oversized, flowing robe with wide arms and beautiful embroidery around the neck and chest area. This goes on top of the Buba shirt. All my collections are always inspired by the these simple silhouettes, textures and colors.

What are some of the techniques you use in your designs?
I work on the knitting machine and hand knit. I love mixing different colors of yarns to create luxurious fabrics. I have a technique where I use a contrasting type of yarn to apply on to the fabric I am knitting on the machine. (You need to really see it!) It's laborious but it looks so beautiful.



Are the patterns you work into your clothing traditional Nigerian prints? What about the materials you use?
Yes, it's called aso-oke. It's a hand-woven fabric that is woven on a small loom. The fabric is made out of cotton, silk and sometimes lurex.

Do you work closely with people in Nigeria to create your fabrics and clothing?
I work very closely with really talented weavers in Lagos. We try to develop and recreate this ancient technique.

What are some of your favorite materials to work with?
I love working with all materials, from tassels to waxed cords to lurex yarns. Give me anything and I will knit it.

What's been the most unique material you've knitted something out of?
For my AFEFE collection I knitted a wire shirt and mixed it with different color cotton yarns. It looks magnetic in the light.


BUKI AKIB AFEFE Teaser 2013 from BUKI AKIB on Vimeo.

Your clothing has been featured in numerous fashion shoots. Have you gotten to travel anywhere out of the ordinary because of that?
Last year I was part of an exhibition in Frankfurt and had a chance to drive down to Baden-Baden (south of Germany). The scenery there was just breathtaking.

What was it like there?
Baden-Baden scenery is beautiful because it's located in the northern foothills of the Black Forest so all you see is hills upon hills. We had driven onto this residential area upon a hill (we were lost) and that's where I saw the view. Very peaceful to look at, especially when you have a busy mind.

What's one thing you want people to think when they see your line?
Inspired.

What are you excited to see with the pop-up?
Unfortunately I can't be physically there, but just seeing all the artists' work is exciting. Of course the big treats are Theophilus London and Jagari Chanda.



Buki Akib

From Philadelphia


05/03/13 02:53PM

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Look Of The Week: Flavia Cervantes

Introduce yourself and tell us what you do at UO!
Hi! My name is Flavia Cervantes and I’m the assistant buyer for jackets and outerwear here at UO.

What are you wearing today?
I’m wearing a Reformation x UO cut-out sundress, white Jeffrey Campbell Everly booties (my favs right now), a destroyed denim jacket by Washborn, my gold nameplat and lots of bling by Concrete Polish, Adorn by Sarah Lewis, Made-In-Metal, and Low Luv.

It's finally warming up! What are you excited to wear this summer?
I’m so excited for summer! I think I’ll be wearing a few key looks all season: short printed dresses with bright high-heeled sandals, or white-on-white athletic outfits (think: sport-mesh) with my growing collection of white shoes. Oh and #3, crop tops & denim cut-offs w/ my Timberlands!

What's your favorite color?
Gold.

Who do you think has the best style of ALL TIME?
Frida Kahlo—she’s my idol. She knew how to rock mixed floral prints, red lipstick, embroidered frocks, rings on every finger, braids and flower crowns (before they were cool). And that unibrow—killin’ it!

Where can we find you online?
Follow me on Instagram: @flaviagc! I also have blogs w/ two of my best friends, they are: ChongaRich and LRKD Blog.

From Philadelphia

05/02/13 01:42PM

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Wild Profile: Marissa Maximo, Meaningful Intentions

Get to know Marissa Maximo, UO's Director of Brand Relations and Special Projects and the curator behind our BAZAAAAAR pop-up shop, hitting both coasts: L.A. this Friday and NYC on May 9. In an interview with The Wild Magazine, Teena Kang speaks with Marissa about her wild side, her hopes of love and happiness and what will make her crack up laughing. Read the interview here and make sure to check out our street bazaar-inspired pop-ups if you're in the neighborhood! (via WILD) —Ally


From Philadelphia

05/02/13 09:54AM

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Our Summer Playlist: Psychedelic Heat

Introducing our new Summer playlist: Psychedelic Heat, featuring mind-melting electro bangers, '60s nuggets, global fuzz, new freak outs and shit that doesn't even make SENSE.  It's a long strange trip, just like Summer (if you do it right). - Dave

From Philadelphia


05/01/13 11:37AM

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Trend: Zubaz

Oh. My. God. Zubaz are back. And if I hear anyone complaining like, "They went out of style for a reason, Katie," I will be like, "Listen, printed, elastic-waist pants are a beautiful and special gift and when they come back into fashion again, you don't question it." I mean, wear your jeans all you want, but don't get jealous when you see how breezily I can do the MC Hammer dance in my camo-print Zubaz.  —Katie


Zubaz Woodland Camo Pant


Zubaz Red & Blue Zebra Pant


Zubaz Classic Zebra Pant


Zubaz Snakeskin Pant

From Philadelphia

04/30/13 02:30PM

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UO x Converse Vine Contest

Our UO x Converse Vine contest has some pretty awesome entries so far! If you haven't yet entered, it's easy; just upload a vine documenting a day in the life of your Chucks (#yourchucks), and if you win, you get a boatload of awesome things, including $1500 in UO gift cards and 2 nights in San Francisco. Amazing, right?! Check out the rest of the entries here and let them inspire your own Chuck-filled vine. —Katie








From Philadelphia


04/30/13 02:28PM

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Cat Gifs

Our cats are back in stock! (Um, ok, so they never really went away.)


Apple, who belongs to our Print Production Manager, Sheena Allen.


Benson, who belongs to our Assistant Catalog Stylist, Stephanie Iselin.


Ellie, who belongs to our Graphic Designer for Web, Victoria May.

From Philadelphia

04/29/13 04:47PM

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Pattern is Movement

Tomorrow night, April 30, watch and listen as Pattern is Movement unveil their new record at this week's Tuesday Tune-Out presented by the Cinedelphia Film Festival. Their music will be synched with scenes from There Will Be Blood as an album screening and listening party. The film will take you through the band's journey of the past four years, with an additional Q&A with the band members and the album's lead engineer. Plus, there's going to be free pizza from Pizza Brain. There are like, four wins here: music, film, an interview and the best food on earth. You've been warned in advance, so if you miss it, just don't come crying to me about it—I'll be busy in my bowling alley drinking milkshakes. The film starts at 7:30PM at the PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.).—Ally

From Philadelphia


04/26/13 12:41PM

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Look Of The Week: Alexandra

Introduce yourself! Tell us what you do at UO.
Hi! I'm Alexandra. I am a freelance stylist for ecommerce at Urban.

What are you wearing today?
The cardigan is by Üterque, t-shirt by Rag&Bone, necklace and ring are my mother's, and the bracelet is vintage.

We've heard you are well-traveled. Where do you think the best shopping can be found abroad?
For vintage and thrift the US is fantastic! Towns vs. cities are better because you find more unique articles of clothing. In Spain the best stores I found were Le Swing, Boo, La Comercial, Santa Eulalia, and Los Encantes; it's a wonderful kitschy market. In Paris Colette, Merci and Kiliwatch are some of my favorites, along with shopping at Le Marais. In London I have always loved Dover Street market and Opening Ceremony; Portobello Road market is also always fun.

Is there a holy grail item you always keep an eye out for when shopping?
Well, there are two: the perfectly worn leather jacket and the perfect white button-down. I am still searching for both that will fit absolutely perfect.

What clothing item can you just not seem to stop wearing lately?
A leather jacket! I also just got some pieces by Isa Arfen's spring collection that are so amazing! They go with everything and anything.

Where can we find you online?
Just Instagram: @alexandritag

From Philadelphia


04/26/13 09:59AM

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Trend: Backpacks

Backpacks never really went out of style, but now they're cooler than ever. They're also the perfect bag for summer because who knows when a spontaneous beach trip is going to pop up. If you want to do right by Douglas Adams and always carry a (beach) towel, then you've also gotta have somewhere to stash it. —Katie







Get the look:


Ecote Horse Shadow Backpack


Herschel Supply Co. Two-Tone Settlement Backpack


Ecote Mixed Pattern Backpack


BAGGU Sailor Stripes Backpack


Fjallraven Kanken Backpack


Carrot Polka Dot Backpack


Spurling Lakes Zebra Backpack


From Philadelphia


04/24/13 11:52AM

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Stoner Style: Hyde

Hyde was rull hot. I wish him and Jackie ended up together because they were the perfect couple, but I guess their tragic romance will live on in infamy along with the likes of Jack and Rose. Aside from being hot, Hyde also had great style. That whole "I DON'T CARE" look totally worked on him. And that curly hair! Boy oh boy. Let's take a moment to appreciate this fine-ass specimen. —Katie





Get the look:


Rolling Stones Flag Tongue Tee
You can throw on any classic rock band tee you want. Obviously Hyde would be like, DAMN THE MAN, GO VINTAGE! But cool vintage rock tees are hard to find.


BLANKNYC Super Bell Bottom Jean
Sadly, bellbottoms have not yet come back into style for dudes, but if you can fit your dude butts into these lady jeans, then by all means, do it.


Oversized Gradient Aviator Sunglasses
Because you gotta have your semi-creepy looking aviators if you're going for that chic '70s stoner vibe.


John Allan's Cool Face Aftershave
Because grooming those sideburns is a lot of work.


Triumph & Disaster Rock & Roll Suicide Face Scrub



From Philadelphia

04/23/13 10:11AM

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Trend: Summer Nails

Yeah, I know. It's not summer yet. It's barely even spring yet because this weather fucking blows. But that doesn't mean I can't fantasize about 80 degree days and bright-ass nail polish. There are so many fun decals and polishes available! It's almost better to get started now if I want time to try them all out. —Katie


Disco Glow Nail Set
Maybe it's the gigantic Red Bull I drank today but these bright glow-in-the-dark polishes are really speaking to me.


ncLA Limited Edition Nail Wraps
The red and pink one is like a beautiful, ocean sunset. What's that one Jack Handy quote from 15 years ago? “Is there anything more beautiful than a beautiful, beautiful flamingo, flying across in front of a beautiful sunset? And he's carrying a beautiful rose in his beak, and also he's carrying a very beautiful painting with his feet. And also, you're drunk.” That's the feeling these nail wraps invoke.


Art Club Petite Fleurs Nail Art
Just the perfect amount of tacky for beachy summer fun.


UO Glow-In-The-Dark Nail Polish
Because think of how great it would look on a sunny day!


Art Club Neon Flower Nail Art
Slap 'em on every nail, TBH.


butter LONDON Spring 2013 Nail Polish
This polish is named "Poole" which I'm guessing is a fancy way of saying "Swimming Pool" because seriously, all that color needs is an inflatable donut and it's good enough to swim in.


Floss Gloss Nail Polish
Floss Gloss polish is chemical-free and the colors are insanely bright. Seriously, check out that lime color!