Latest news with #Uggs
NBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Vera Bradley is having a renaissance — here's what to know (and buy)
If you were in your teens or beyond at the start of the millennium, chances are you had at least a few of the following staples in your wardrobe: a pair of Uggs, low-rise jeans, a bedazzled Abercrombie T-shirt, a Juicy Couture velour sweat suit and, of course, a Vera Bradley purse. As often happens with fashion, many of these throwback items have become trendy again. People have been rocking Uggs for quite some time, Abercrombie is having another major moment and low-rise jeans are back. And, now, Vera Bradley bags are having a resurgence, too. The brand, which is known for its quilted accessories in bright colors and patterns, never actually went away — but they rebranded last year, releasing refreshes of some of their most iconic pieces. Below, learn a bit more about Vera Bradley's style comeback and shop some of NBC Select editors favorite pieces. Why is Vera Bradley having such a resurgence? Vera Bradley was founded in 1982 by two friends — Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller — in Indiana. The company was named after Babara's mother and the mission was to create bright bags of all kinds, something the pals noticed was rare any time they traveled together. Throughout the late '90s and early 2000s, the brand became more and more popular — and for good reason. A majority of the brand's bags were made from easy-to-wash cotton and they were padded, making them comfortable to carry. Of course, like most trends, the Vera Bradley's popularity waned, though the brand continued selling their popular styles. Then, last year, they relaunched and it stirred up a sense of nostalgia and reminded people why they loved the brand in the first place. The relaunch featured an updated logo, as well as new styles and fabrications — including offering more solid colors and leather options. Highly rated Vera Bradley items to shop right now With the Vera Bradley love going strong, we rounded up some of the most popular offerings from the brand. Below, find styles that NBC Select editors love, as well as some of the most highly rated products available. All of the styles below are available in various prints and solid colors. One of our favorite weekender bags, this duffel is made from 100% cotton and has a zip pocket and three slip pockets on the exterior, plus interior mesh pockets. It also has drop handles and a detachable shoulder strap. NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider is a huge fan. 'I've had it for years, if not decades at this point, and you can fit so much stuff in it,' she says. 'It's also lightweight and the pattern makes it easy to spot, so there is no question of who's bag is whose.' This toiletry bag has made a number of trips with NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who also owns the medium size. 'They're just so reliable and sturdy,' says Malin. 'Makeup has exploded inside, I throw them in the wash and they're as good as new.' The interracial lined with PVC making them easy to wipe down if you don't have time to machine wash. The large size is also big enough to fit full sized bottles in it, making it good for longer trips. Confession: I was not a Vera Bradley girl in the early aughts. Even as a teenager, I stayed away from bright patterns in favor of sleeker neutrals. But last year, I found myself on the hunt for a backpack I could travel with or use as a diaper bag when needed and I stumbled across this chic black quilted number — and was shocked when I realized it was from Vera Bradley, given how famous the brand is for prints. I love how lightweight it is and it has a built-in laptop sleeve. Oh, and if you're a print lover, it comes in a number of vibrant options, too. This machine-washable wristlet has eight credit card slots in a separate zippered area, which are protected by RIFD technology — this means potential thiefs can't try to lift your card numbers with special devices. Along with card space, there are compartments for cash and coins, too. The cell phone pocket should fit most phones, according to the brand. If you like a tote with long straps, this bag is for you. The handles have a 12-inch drop, making it easy to fit over coats and bulkier clothes. The small bag (it measures 1 -inches by 12 inches) zips closed at the top to keep your belongings secure. Plus, it has six slip pockets inside for things like keys and a wallet. It has a 4.7-star average rating from over 1,200 reviews on Amazon and comes in both solid colors and patterns. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Business
- Buzz Feed
Steve Madden's Super Sharp Tariffs Takedown Goes Viral
It seems like the news about Donald Trump's tariffs is never-ending, and so are the stories of real-life Americans whose wallets are hurting because of them. One of the retail sectors being hit the hardest is the fashion industry because of how much it relies on overseas materials sourcing, manufacturing, and importing. So, perhaps no one is better poised to speak on the actual impact of Trump's tariffs than shoe designer and eponymous company founder Steve Madden. Madden recently appeared as a guest on the fashion podcast The Cutting Room Floor, hosted by designer Recho Omondi. A now-viral clip from their conversation has garnered 4.5+ million views and over 5,000 comments, largely praising his expert criticism of Trump's tariffs. At the beginning of the clip, Madden is finishing up a phone call. After he hangs up, the host asks, "But what's the drama, though?" He responds, "The tariffs." Omondi replies, "Oh, so the shoes are getting pricier." Madden says, "Shoes are going up. You can thank your government for that." After some light-hearted banter placing the blame on each other for Trump's election ("I didn't vote for him!" Omondi says), Madden says, "They fundamentally do not understand what they're doing." He then dives into the reality of US commerce with China in a way we don't hear explained often. "The notion is we've lost jobs to China, and we have. But we've picked up other jobs that we would not have had — better jobs, many better jobs — as a result of our relationship with China," he says. "Many more than we would have if they were in a factory making socks." "The iPhone being made in China — the success that that has created — there's probably hundreds of thousands of people working for Apple today in America as a result of them making those phones in China," he continues. "That they would not have had, they'd be in a fucking factory and it would be a third of the workforce." Madden goes on to tie the tariff conversation into another area of timely political discourse. "And at the same time, they're deporting the people that would fucking do it anyway." He also explains that some of the Americans supporting Trump's economic policies are "rich people that made money that didn't build anything, but they made money trading stocks and bonds and buildings. OK. Not hating," he says. "And we are the people that create commerce. The Apples, the Steve Maddens, the Uggs, the Ralph Laurens. We create the economy, and they're destroying it," he concludes. People were so for this level-headed read on how tariffs will actually hurt business. "You know what, Steve Madden shoes are not THAT uncomfortable," this person joked. Other people were laughing about Madden's seemingly obvious political leanings. "This is the best PR steve madden has ever done for his brand," someone wrote. Actually, that was basically the consensus. And this person summed it all up pretty perfectly. What do you think? Sound off in the comments.
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Hoka, Ugg maker raises red flag on disturbing customer behavior
I own not one, but two pairs of Ugg slippers - and before you judge me, hear me out. One pair is strictly for indoor lounging, aka my "indoor Uggs." They're soft, they're cozy, and they've seen some things. The other? Those are my "outdoor Uggs" (yes, it's a thing), reserved for dog walks, Trader Joe's runs, and looking half-put-together before 9 a.m. (or anytime really). If you're like me, you get it. Uggs have become more than just boots - they're a lifestyle staple, a comfort essential. And for fans of the brand, investing in multiple pairs doesn't feel ridiculous. It feels necessary. So when a company like Deckers (parent of both Ugg and Hoka) raises alarms about how customers are behaving, it Related: Nike, rivals sound alarm on looming threat Ugg and Hoka shoppers are loyal, intentional, even cult-like. These are brands people go out of their way to buy. But lately, something's felt off. Deckers, best known for comfy Ugg boots and sleek Hoka sneakers, made headlines with some less-than-cozy news: customers are starting to change how they shop. For a brand that's thrived on loyalty and momentum, that's not the vibe. What really grabbed my attention? Deckers (DECK) didn't just hint at a blip. It called out a real shift in consumer behavior. And that's where things start to get interesting. CFO Steve Fasching didn't mince words during the earnings call. While revenue came in strong and the company expanded its buyback plan, Fasching flagged a clear challenge. Deckers expects to feel some strain from raising prices amid an already cautious consumer landscape. He described this as potential "demand erosion" that could weigh on performance in the months ahead. He also acknowledged that while Deckers is evaluating price hikes and working with factory partners to share costs, it will still have to absorb a chunk of the $150 million tariff hit expected in FY26. Related: Nike delivers bad news for customers That pressure, paired with slower-than-hoped growth in HOKA's direct-to-consumer sales, created the cautious tone that spooked investors. Still, the team remains upbeat about the long term. CEO Stefano Caroti reminded listeners that HOKA's brand awareness in the U.S. had jumped to 50%, a 25% leap from last year. International growth continues to outpace domestic sales. "I personally never felt stronger about the power of this brand," he said. It was a message of confidence, but one clearly tempered by current headwinds. If a brand as beloved as Ugg - or as buzzy as Hoka - is starting to feel the pinch, that doesn't bode well for the rest of retail. Deckers' warning adds to a growing chorus of companies sounding the alarm on shifting consumer habits. After years of pandemic-fueled spending on comfort and performance gear, shoppers are pulling back, and even the strongest brands are starting to feel it. What makes HOKA's situation unique is how strategic its wholesale push has been. The brand is betting big on getting into more stores and letting consumers physically try on updated styles in-store before committing. According to Fasching, the new designs are strong performers, but the shift toward trying them in-store first is putting short-term pressure on digital sales. This dynamic isn't a death knell, but it is a signal. Deckers is still viewed as a premium brand leader with a strong balance sheet. However, the idea that even its most reliable shoppers might pause on purchases is making the rest of the industry pause, too. Meanwhile, Deckers' stock has since been tracking for its biggest weekly decline in months. Whether this is a speed bump or a turning point depends on whether consumers start clicking "buy" keep hesitating. One thing's clear: if even the indoor-and-outdoor-Uggs crowd is tapping the brakes, every retailer should be paying close attention. Related: Popular sneaker company raising prices The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple's tariff threat, Deckers downgrade, Ross pulls guidance
Yahoo Finance host Madison Mills tracks today's top moving stocks and biggest market stories in this Market Minute, including Apple (AAPL) taking a market cap hit after President Trump threatened a 25% tariff against the iPhone maker, as well as Deckers Outdoor (DECK) and Ross Stores (ROST) sinking after reporting earnings on Thursday. Stay up to date on the latest market action, minute-by-minute, with Yahoo Finance's Market Minute. It's time for Yahoo! Finance's market minute. Stocks falling as President Trump reignites trade war concerns, threatening the EU with a 50% tariff starting June 1st, saying talks with the bloc are going nowhere. Apple also top trending ticker on Yahoo! Finance, falling as the company is also threatened with increased tariffs. The President recommending a 25% tariff on the company's iPhones if it doesn't start making them in the US. Deckers, the maker of Uggs and Hoka, is hit with a series of analyst downgrades after issuing a weak outlook. Chelsea Group, KeyBanc, and Evercore all slashing their ratings on the stock, citing Deckers' slowing growth trajectory. Trade uncertainty weighing on retailers broadly. Ross Stores shares tumbling after withdrawing full-year guidance. The company saying over half its goods originate from China, and its profits will likely take a hit from tariffs. That's your Yahoo! Finance market minute. For more on what's trending on Yahoo!, you can scan the QR code below. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Vogue
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Bella Hadid Ditches the Cowboy Boots for '80s Nostalgia
Bella Hadid (people's princess and British Vogue's June cover star) may be in her horse girl era–all cowboy boots and Miss Sixty denim–but this week, the queen of cowboy chic took a detour straight into '80s nostalgia, embracing the polka dot mania currently gripping London. Swapping her rodeo-ready staples for a spotty midi-dress worn under a leather jacket, Bella added socks and chunky sneakers. Like Irina Shayk in Cannes this week, she's taking a leaf out of the summer-in-London style playbook with this dress + dad trainer combo. Of course, trendsetting is second nature for Miss Hadid. Who could forget the Uggs and micro shorts era that briefly broke the internet? Now, her return to the spotlight coincides with the Princess Di-approved polka dot print having its moment in the sun. Love it or hate it, the '80s favourite is back with a vengeance, popping up on the runways at Conner Ives, Valentino, and Moschino, and dominating street style and social media alike.
