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Bitten Provides Fashion Bang for the Buck
By Jordan Metsky - Dec. 21, 2007
   
   
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Hidden away in an unassuming sportswear store, Steve and Barry's, lies a treasure trove of trendy fashions that are astonishingly affordable. The line, Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker, boasts 115 American-made pieces, all for less  than twenty dollars.

Parker's manifesto that fashion is a right and not a privilege drove her to create the line. It aims to merge a varied selection of current styles with unpretentious fabrics, creating chic yet affordable clothing. Senior Noelle DeGregorio agrees with Parker's manifesto, saying, "Everyone is entitled to clothes that fit nicely and work with their body types. If extravagant clothes are a privilege, then basic wardrobe elements seem to be a right." In addition to just the basic wardrobe elements, Parker wanted all of the pieces in the line to appeal to the everyday American woman, which prompted her decision to manufacture all of the pieces in sizes two to twenty-two.

A mish-mash of different styles and shapes, the Bitten line for this season showcases a myriad of different sweaters from zip-ups to pull-overs, all in easy-to-match colors like gray, black and deep blue. In addition to sweaters, Bitten boasts its own collection of denim jeans. The fits range from "skinny" to "boyfriend" to "boot cut," but the sizes run off track, so it may take a bit more testing than usual to find a size that fits correctly.

In addition to the mainstays of the line, each season's collection includes a few cornerstone pieces. For the cold weather, Parker included a houndstooth trench that stands out from the monotonous colors of the other pieces. The cord vest and swing blazer also add a sophisticated element to the line. But be warned: hot items may not be available in the store. It may be best to call Steve and Barry's ahead of time, since Bitten is not available for purchase online.

 For the money, the overall quality of the clothing is surprising. Tight stitching and proper craftsmanship ensure that these clothes will last a while, or at least until next season's collection rolls around. But with the need to appeal to all people, Parker's clothing can sometimes seem a bit underwhelming. Basics like tees and sweat pants in lackluster colors get boring fast, and the crushed velour sweats look more like Grandpa's tracksuits than Juicy Couture wannabes. Horizontal stripes that are featured on many of Parker's blouses are another fashion faux pas. These stripes are anything but flattering to a woman's mid-section. Parker's design mistakes are disappointing, but acceptable for a newcomer to the world of design. De Gregorio says, "Just because [celebrities] are famous does not mean that they can automatically become designers."

            Although Parker's brave dive into the world of fashion has been met with mixed reviews, the line's marriage of social awareness paired with simple, stylish pieces makes it a promising alternative to usual discount clothing chains. Of course, it easy to shop at Target or K-Mart, but for the activist on a budget who needs a change of pace, Bitten is worth the trip to Menlo Park Mall's Steve and Barry's.
 
 
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