Is HSN Fashion Trying Too Hard?

[pandagirl]

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I've been watching quite a bit of home shopping TV over the past few weeks. I've had a summer cold that just won't let go and parking myself in front of the TV is the way to go.

Lately, I've been really turned off by what they're showing on HSN. In the first place, these don't seem to be clothes you really can safely buy from TV -- body hugging with defined waists. And everything seems so tight! Even the sweaters.

I tried to watch a little of the Miss Tina premiere (Beyonce's mother) and it was just mega-tacky. All this gold detailing. Very, very tight. (Colleen's jacket was at least two sizes too small, too.) And to make matters worse, the models were all swanning around like it was New York Fashion Week to this very LOUD music that they kept playing over and over again. It really drove me nuts in just the few minutes I could take, anyway.

And, to top it all off, some of their hosts are starting to seem unapproapchable. Callie struck me that way last night. She was wearing this very (very!) tight red dress along with Do-Me shoes and she looked more like she was pretty desperately trying to attract a man rather than sell clothes to women. She is a good host and a beautiful woman, but for some reason she turned me off with that whole look -- and not for the first time either. I can't explain why, but even when Lisa Robertson is in full-out glamour mode, she still seems approachable. Callie didn't.

On the other hand, I ordered a Pamela Dennis leather jacket and sweater over the weekend. Now those are classic clothes! (And no gold detailing anywhere in sight!)

[bichonlady]

I agree that HSN appears to be trying to present more upscale lines, but for this baby-boomer, the styles just don't do it. I'm certainly not into Quacker Factory, but I'm certainly not into tight pants, gold chains and doo-dads hanging from my belts, purses and boots. They need to find a happy medium over there.

[Linda Lou]

The trend for Fall IS very form-fitting clothing. Not everything they offer is as such, some of the lines, like Kim Parrish's are designed for all figure types, I feel.

They do seem to be catering to the young and the tiny, but overall, I'd rather see that then the dreaded Maggie Sweet look.

[Garnet333]

I turned on HSN yesterday and saw these horrible stretchy, body hugging, leopard pants being hawked. I think it might have been from the Terry Lewis collection. I got scared and turned the channel. :O

[pandagirl]

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Garnet333:
I turned on HSN yesterday and saw these horrible stretchy, body hugging, leopard pants being hawked. I think it might have been from the Terry Lewis collection. I got scared and turned the channel. :O
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LOL, Garnet. The other day Suzanne Runyon was in this all-over zebra print dress and, to put it kindly, it did not become her.

So loud! So tacky!

[pandagirl]

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bichonlady:
I agree that HSN appears to be trying to present more upscale lines, but for this baby-boomer, the styles just don't do it. I'm certainly not into Quacker Factory, but I'm certainly not into tight pants, gold chains and doo-dads hanging from my belts, purses and boots. They need to find a happy medium over there.
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I'm not a Quacker either, bichonlady, and I totally share your sentiment about the gold chains and doo dads. A total turn off for me.

[Barbi]

I don't like any of HSNs fashions, and I never have. It seems as though they give shoppers two choices: tight, tight teeny-bopper styles, or old lady Maggie Sweet stuff. There never seems to be enough of anything for those of us who prefer the middle road, and when there is, it is often in ridiculous color selections (truly, how many Terry Lewis jackets in mustard or mauve can one closet bear?). From Quacker Factory to Denim & Co., to Dialogue to Modern Soul--and to those specialty designers--QVC certainly seems to have far more choices available, both in style and color. If I want something "boutiquey", I won't buy it from television--I'll go to the shop personally.

[pandagirl]

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Barbi:
I don't like any of HSNs fashions, and I never have. It seems as though they give shoppers two choices: tight, tight teeny-bopper styles, or old lady Maggie Sweet stuff. There never seems to be enough of anything for those of us who prefer the middle road, and when there is, it is often in ridiculous color selections (truly, how many Terry Lewis jackets in mustard or mauve can one closet bear?). From Quacker Factory to Denim & Co., to Dialogue to Modern Soul--and to those specialty designers--QVC certainly seems to have far more choices available, both in style and color. If I want something "boutiquey", I won't buy it from television--I'll go to the shop personally.
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You are right, Barbi. I've actually liked a few of Terry Lewis' styles and ordered one jacket in brown a few years ago that I still like. But I recall ordering at least one item in an odd color that looked pretty on TV, but muddy and unattractive in person. It went back.

I, too, like Modern Soul and seem to do pretty well with Dialouge, too. My favorite though is the Pamela Dennis line. It's expensive for QVC, but I've never ordered anything that I haven't loved. I'm glad to see that she's getting the credit she deserves in the customer reviews, too. Maybe that will convince more people that her clothes really are worth the money.

[sparkles52]

I actually love HSN's fashions. I think they far surpass QVC's. They are more trendy, whereas QVC's seem to be the same old same old. And a lot of their stuff looks very frumpy.

I am a size 14 (apple shape), and I just love Diane Gilman's jeans, they fit so perfectly. I have about 15 pairs! I have 2 pairs of Terry Lewis jeans and really like them as well. And believe it or not, Suzanne Somers has some cute stuff too.

I also have recently gotten into Lukastyle. Very nice quality and well fitting items.

Basically, I guess it's a matter of personal preference, but I have been doing tons of shopping with HSN, and have not done any with QVC in quite some time now.

[Barbi]

You're right, it is a matter of personal preference--but HSN could have so much more of my money if they'd just add a little pizzazz to their fashions, or make the fashions they do offer in some wardrobe-complimenting colors.

[Rebel_Mom]

Taste is subjective and personal. I do think HSN is trying to be trendier than QVC, but I have to wonder how many of these trendy items will end up on clearance - especially in the larger sizes. I was looking forward to the Miss Tina line but they are way too urban and loud for me, but there is probably more than one HSN customer out there who is ordering it all.

[pandagirl]

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Rebel_Mom:
Taste is subjective and personal. I do think HSN is trying to be trendier than QVC, but I have to wonder how many of these trendy items will end up on clearance - especially in the larger sizes. I was looking forward to the Miss Tina line but they are way too urban and loud for me, but there is probably more than one HSN customer out there who is ordering it all.
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I think clearly they are trying to be trendier than QVC, especially this fall.

But for my taste, trendy these days (and I guess this is because I'm over 40) seems to be a synonym for tacky. All those gold embellishments and charms and loud animal prints are just so not my style. Never was, never will be.

If I could buy any clothes I wanted, it would be all Calvin Klein and Armani and Pamela Dennis for me. I wouldn't touch Versace (and all of this trendy stuff seems to be imitation Versace) with the proverbial 10 foot pole.

And I also thought the Miss Tina line was way too loud and that Colleen at her age looked ridiculous.

I used to like the Terry Lewis line and there is still some stuff there I like. I haven't bought any lately, but I do still like some of it.

Truth is, I don't like most of the fashions on QVC any more than I do HSN. It's just that QVC doesn't make me cringe like HSN does these days. Susan Graver is bad, but not as bad as all that gold fringed stuff.

[dakotadog]

The clothes don't appeal to me, and are expensive & are tight fitting.
I did buy a subscription of Elle magazine for $5.95, no S&H for one year.
I don't ever buy the magazine, but why not for $6 to try it out.

[beekeeper]

Well, as much as it pains me to say this ... at least HSN is trying something new! I saw a little of the Miss Tina show last night ... I wouldn't buy any of it, but at least it's on the trendy side, as opposed to all the big oversized frocks the other designers show all the time.

I laughed every time Miss Tina would say "couture" in association with her clothes. Does this woman even know what couture means? Mass produced clothes made in China (I'm guessing) is far from couture!

I don't like to buy clothes from tv, first cuz the styles typically don't suit me, and second, I really need to try stuff on (I'm tall, not everything fits me right). I do agree with Panda, in that most of Miss Tina's styles were form fitted and will not look great on a lot of people. I wonder how many returns they will get!

I like gold, but this lady goes a bit nutso with the gold trim. Did you see those booties with the gold heels? Can you say GHETTO!?!?

[dakotadog]

Alice + Olivia for SCOOP Sequin Leggings Item: 256-121
on HSN.

[Rebel_Mom]

Maybe it is because I live in CT, which has to be the most conservative state (blame all of those SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM companies in Hartford) as far as what is considered professional apparel. The hoochy-mama look just does not go over well here. As a baby-boomer I would love to have some updated choices for clothing, but I might as well just order it all from Lands End - who have classic tailored clothes and pants hemmed to order - and forget about it. It gets very boring. I figured that Miss Tina, being a mature female of my generation, might have a better idea, but she didn't!

[pandagirl]

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dakotadog:
Alice + Olivia for SCOOP Sequin Leggings Item: 256-121
on HSN.
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Oh, my eyes, my eyes!

And $298!!!!!!

[vcq]

i did like the TSV boots from Hot in Hollywood. I ordered them in two colors. Also a metallic tunic sweater which was very loose fitting and an Obi belt. I also ordered a handbag and the Goldie and Kate necklace set from Hot in Hollywood and the TSV from Kim Tan, the kimona sweater. I'm sure you all hate these items, but to each her own I guess. I also could never imagine ever wearing ANY of the Miss Tina fashions. As Miss Tina called them, "pimped out". sorry but pimped out is not my style. I have a feeling all her and Beyonce's friends ordered them because they did sell out and all the callers I heard were tina's or her daughters' friends.

[pandagirl]

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vcq:
i did like the TSV boots from Hot in Hollywood. I ordered them in two colors. Also a metallic tunic sweater which was very loose fitting and an Obi belt. I also ordered a handbag and the Goldie and Kate necklace set from Hot in Hollywood and the TSV from Kim Tan, the kimona sweater. I'm sure you all hate these items, but to each her own I guess. I also could never imagine ever wearing ANY of the Miss Tina fashions. As Miss Tina called them, "pimped out". sorry but pimped out is not my style. I have a feeling all her and Beyonce's friends ordered them because they did sell out and all the callers I heard were tina's or her daughters' friends.
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To each her own, indeed, vcq. But I saw those boots and I liked them. (For what it's worth, I bought a black leather Hot in Hollywood military style jacket last year and I love it. I also get tons of compliments on it, too.)

[dakotadog]

I like the Hot & Hollywood host/owner Laurie. (I think that's it) I didn't like the boots because, I don't care for boots anyways. I am tall enough without the added heels. Finally, she is making her purses with leather/suede. Kathy Van Zeeland should follow her lead.

[Garnet333]

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beekeeper:

I like gold, but this lady goes a bit nutso with the gold trim. Did you see those booties with the gold heels? Can you say GHETTO!?!?
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I am thinking more like drag queen.

Hi Bee

[Abbey Road]

I think QVC & HSN are trying way too hard with their fashions, but the models look great no matter what.

[Linda Lou]

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Abbey Road:
I think QVC & HSN are trying way too hard with their fashions, but the models look great no matter what.
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Now there's a big fat surprise.

[Rebel_Mom]

I like a lot of the Hot in Hollywood stuff and the kimona sweater was nice. I think HSN started in the right direction but then went off the path with Miss Tina. She probably won't be back on again anyway - remember Melody Thomas Scott of the Young and the Restless? She hasn't been back on the air lately...

[shopalot2]

I'm just happy for variety - both on HSN and QVC! Anyone who's seen Beyonce's outfits would know Miss Tina would heavily embellish everything, but I'm sure there are folks who love that stuff. Personally, I've gotten some great HSN fashions...most notably, Bella Blue dresses, the Maggie Sweet matte jersey stuff (dont laugh! It's great) and the Terry Lewis leathers. Plus, I've gotten almost all of them on Clearance...something QVC just doesnt do.....

[Beckley]

I watched HSN many, many years ago and everything they had was pure junk and tacky, IMO. Their hosts looked like hookers and they screamed and yelled. I couldn't stand it. Unless they have changed, their trash is for customers with bad taste or street walkers.

[sparkles52]

WOW that was harsh! I assure you I am neither of the two, and think they have some great stuff.

[Rebel_Mom]

My husband bought me a Terry Lewis leather coat a couple of Christmases ago and it is gorgeous, very classic in style and excellent quality. HSN does have some very nice fashions and like someone else pointed out, an excellent clearance area. QVC thinks clearance means an additional 10% off!

[P-burg]

I think HSN is tring to attract the younger viewers,where QVC goes for the older viewer

[lawandorder]

I think it is personal choice. I own a Terry Lewis coat and I love it. I purchased a pair of Diane Gilman jeans, which were so built up, and they don't fit right!! They are cool looking, but just didn't fit me right. HSN does seem to carry a lot of clothing suited more for the slimmer figure. I don't like Maggie Sweet at all. Dialogue from the Q is about my favorite, and Dennis Basso.

Right now, Randolph Duke is on, again, more skinny clothes!!! Not for me!!

[pandagirl]

And if that Carlos Falchi Today's Special handbag doesn't just prove my point, I don't know what does.

[beekeeper]

lol ... Amen Panda! Same goes for the Lisa Robert's Todays top value over on ShopNBC. Too much going on ...

[pandagirl]

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beekeeper:
lol ... Amen Panda! Same goes for the Lisa Robert's Todays top value over on ShopNBC. Too much going on ...
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Oh, yes. To make matters worse, a friend of mine ordered a black bag from her and it came unglued from the metal frame in just a month or so.

Guess unlike every single other vendor on every single shopping channel, she's not a "stickler for quality".

[Linda Lou]

I'm not a huge handbag fan, but I DO like Lisa Robert's "handbeeg's" as she calls 'em, as long as they're not too fussy. Also, I like some of Kathy Van Zeeland's styles, but think that they are over p r i c e d for being faux leather.

[23456789]

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pandagirl:
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I've been watching quite a bit of home shopping TV over the past few weeks. I've had a summer cold that just won't let go and parking myself in front of the TV is the way to go.

Lately, I've been really turned off by what they're showing on HSN. In the first place, these don't seem to be clothes you really can safely buy from TV -- body hugging with defined waists. And everything seems so tight! Even the sweaters.

I tried to watch a little of the Miss Tina premiere (Beyonce's mother) and it was just mega-tacky. All this gold detailing. Very, very tight. (Colleen's jacket was at least two sizes too small, too.) And to make matters worse, the models were all swanning around like it was New York Fashion Week to this very LOUD music that they kept playing over and over again. It really drove me nuts in just the few minutes I could take, anyway.

And, to top it all off, some of their hosts are starting to seem unapproapchable. Callie struck me that way last night. She was wearing this very (very!) tight red dress along with Do-Me shoes and she looked more like she was pretty desperately trying to attract a man rather than sell clothes to women. She is a good host and a beautiful woman, but for some reason she turned me off with that whole look -- and not for the first time either. I can't explain why, but even when Lisa Robertson is in full-out glamour mode, she still seems approachable. Callie didn't.

On the other hand, I ordered a Pamela Dennis leather jacket and sweater over the weekend. Now those are classic clothes! (And no gold detailing anywhere in sight!)
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THANK YOU TO THE ABOVE! THESE FASHIONS ARE OBVIOUSLY INTENDED TO MAKE FEMALES, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR AGE, LOOK LIKE PROSTITUTES!
SINCE WHEN IS SOME STUPID, DUMB IGNORANT TRAMP LIKE BEYONCE AN AUTHORITY ON WHAT IS-AND/OR WHAT IS NOT-FASHIONABLE! BITCHES LIKE BEYONCE AND BEYONCE'S MAMA ARE OBVIOUSLY not WHAT TO IMITATE IF A FEMALES WISHES TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY IN any other JOB THAN BEING A GANG-BANGING PROSTUTITE!

[vcq]

I got my TS boots from Hot In Hollywood. they are keepers. they do look like a more expensive boot. The handbag from HIH, has to go back. I thought it was leather (my fault). Really cheap thin PVC. It could at least LOOK like leather for 49.99. buh-buh. The Obi belt is cute and the metallic sweater will good for holiday parties. (in red)

I did get a Sharif bag last week marked down to 199.00. I really like it though I saw some negative reviews on it. I really wasn't expecting a $900.00 handbag, but for 199.00 it's cute. Don't care for today TS from Sharif.

[shopalot2]

I've had the opportunity to visit Lisa's store (The Find) in MN...its just like her. Eclectic! Some really beautiful things. I also have a few of her "handbeegs" ... they are nice, especially when I can get them on sale on ShopNBC. They cost MUCH more in her store, so saying what a buy they are on TV isn't a lie in that case.

If youlre "lucky", you can find the Kathy Von Z bags at TJM for around $20 - $30.

[Linda Lou]

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shopalot2:
I've had the opportunity to visit Lisa's store (The Find) in MN...its just like her. Eclectic! Some really beautiful things. I also have a few of her "handbeegs" ... they are nice, especially when I can get them on sale on ShopNBC. They cost MUCH more in her store, so saying what a buy they are on TV isn't a lie in that case.

If youlre "lucky", you can find the Kathy Von Z bags at TJM for around $20 - $30.
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I have to scout around TJM next time I'm there, to see if I can find KVZ's bags. Now, $20 or $30 bucks I wouldn't mind paying for fake leather! Plus, I DO like all the sparklies and hearts she puts on her purses. :D

[dakotadog]

A few KVZ bags are at Ross and are so fugly. Guess rejects & other name brands are their too.

[lawandorder]

Yes, T J Maxx does carry Kathy bags. I received the Insider yesterday. I think I counted, maybe, three items in the catalogue that were made in the USA. Disgusting.