That’s right, everybody, Fiveloaves Twofish is now available on Zappos.com!

You can purchase our Democracy, Athena, Zoe, Troy, and Xanthe dresses right here!

Make like the Parisians and add a crisp stripe to your wardrobe this spring!

Has anyone had this happen to them?? Let us know?? We think it is a perfect Seinfeld episode and of course it would happen to Kramer.

Effie Trinket, the stylish District 12 Escort (played by Elizabeth Banks) in Alexander McQueen

We at Fiveloaves Twofish always try to stay ahead of the curve, but even we may sometimes succumb to the latest cultural craze. This month announces the release of the first of the Hunger Games films and, like most of the world, we are obsessed. If you haven’t read the books yet, the story follows sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen –who lives in a post-apocalyptic version of the Appalachians, now known as District Twelve- as she participates as a tribute in the annual Hunger Games, a televised gladiator-style fight to the death that the oppressing Capitol forces each of the twelve districts to participate in, and ultimately becomes the symbol of hope and rebellion for the districts. While the book brings up brilliantly intriguing messages about government control and morality, what we love almost as much as the plot line is the fashions of the Capitol crowd.

Sure, The Hunger Games may not seem like the biggest film fashion force since Gossip Girl, but Lionsgate has made it very clear that the films are not taking the daring fashions lightly, as evidenced by the recently launched “Capitol Couture,” an online magazine that could very well be written by tribute escort Effie Trinket. Rodarte, Alexander McQueen, and Iris Van Herpen are all scheduled to make sartorial appearances in the film.

Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, in her interview gown

The fashions aren’t just fun to look at, however. In the novels the role of style plays a very integral part in Katniss’ survival. She befriends her awesome stylist, Cinna, who transforms tomboy Katniss into “The Girl on Fire” with physics-defying flaming capes and red-hot evening gowns and suggests the power of beauty in society. The bubbly citizens of the Capitol dye their skin purple and glue diamonds to their eyebrows and wear costumes that even Lady Gaga might be hesitant of because it’s not like they have anything better to do with their days (which I’m guessing is the point that author Suzanne Collins is trying to make). And of course, like any good taste maker, Katniss has a signature accessory –a mocking jay pin- that develops into the secret symbol of the brewing rebellion. Throughout the trilogy Katniss constantly alludes to the fashions and what I appreciate is that author Collins recognizes the symbolic role fashion may play, even in a post-apocalyptic America. She dresses her characters in bold avant-garde ensembles that showcase the strength of the novel’s women. And that is what we find truly inspirational.

The Hunger Games comes out March 23rd. We have our midnight tickets already? Do you?

Our Butterfly Skirt at LMNOP in Chicago!

The 20′s are Back!!

Democracy and Lily Dress by Fiveloaves Twofish

I finished MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE by Karen Harper a few weeks ago. It is a great summer read. If you are going on vacation or plan to sit at the beach for hours at end have this novel along with you. You will love this book if you loved the movie SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE. The novel tells the story of young shakespeare dreaming of being an actor in Stratford upon Avon and his rise to fame as a playwright in London. It is based on his life long love affair with Anne Whateley, the other Anne. Many believe that his sonnets and perhaps Romeo and Juliet are based on her. It is a wonderful novel, giving glimpses of life in Elizabethan London and life as a playwright. What I found very interesting was the notion that plays were written as a way to teach the population their history. Many of Shakespeare’s plays were historical and gave the british people such pride in their heritage.
At the heart of the novel is the world’s most famous writer and his secret marriage to the other Anne. It is told through her voice and demonstrates her scarifices for loving him, but also her triumphs as an independent woman in Elizabeth’s world. It is a novel that recognizes the strength it took to be independent in this time and the example Elizabeth gave to young women.

It is a fun book, especially if you have a soft spot for Shakespeare. It is an easy and fast read and perfect for a “mental escape.” This book is a treat to read. Enjoy!!