Style Antidote

More Tidbits.

2009-01-28T23:08:00.005-06:00

This week I'm playing alot of catch-up with my mass collection of fashion blogs that I read [check out the list at left.] And Blogger has this great thing called "following" so I can check out all the latest updates all in one place, right here on my Blogger account! [And we all know I avoid shameless plugs like the plague, but this feature is the BEST and I had to let everyone know about it.]

Anyways, on with my favorite posts for the week!

1) Fabsugar's coverage of the Christian Lacroix Spring 2009 runway show. They always have the best pictures, and I love ALL of them, so I just decided to link to their blog directly instead of stealing! [Go me!]

2) Katie Holmes is the new face of Miu Miu! Interesting choice. Check out Fashion-Verbatim's coverage.

3) J'adore Couture makes a frank statement about the economy as well as gives us some great coverage of Dior Spring/Summer 2009 Haute Couture and Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2009 [Same thing, different name. Fashion people are so weird sometimes.]

4) I'm not the only one that was in LOVE with this Botkier clutch! Does that mean I've finally "made it" in the fashion blogosphere?

5) Even though the start of the Chinese New Year was three days ago, check out this cool special-edition Lush Emotibomb featured on Second City Style.

It's almost one in the morning, so I'm finished for the night, but expect another post later today!!

On Trend: Hardware

2009-01-28T22:50:00.003-06:00

Okay, everyone, I'm really excited about this one. The rockstar vibe is slowly making a comeback into fashion with each passing season, and with it an extra addition of metal and leather details to all of our favorite products. In my personal opinion, this can either be overdone (too dominatrix-y) or just right, adding a bit of structure and visual interest to everything from handbags to apparel (and yes, even swimwear).

Now as far as handbags are concerned, the more grommets, studs, and buckles, the better. The following are just a few of my favorite new designs.

This great clutch by Botkier is perfect for a night out. Just add skinny jeans and a fun top and you've got all the rockstar cred you need!

Botkier Studio Clutch, $395, Tobi

Another favorite from Botkier, this is definitely a daytime version of the hardware trend. An otherwise simple bag spiced up with a belt and some buckles. Nice!

Botkier Stevie Hobo Bag, $475, Tobi

This cute clutch by Gustto in a great statement color- yellow- with some extra metal details to set it off.

Gustto Ciosa Clutch Bag, $220, Tobi

As far as apparel, GoJane has a great day-to-night dress with that certain rockstar quality.

Large Stud Tube Dress, $30, GoJane

And in the world of high-end, Pencey delivers these very versatile pants with a little hardware added in the form of front zippers in a contrasting color.

Pencey Detention Pant, $248, shopbop

[I've gotta find a less expensive alternative to those pants. They are to DIE for!! Any suggestions?]

By the way, loyal readers, I've been having some issues getting these postings scheduled, so this one's a bit late. sorry!

On Trend: Asymmetrical

2009-01-06T10:20:00.004-06:00

It looks like the new twist for '09 on everything from casual tops to cocktail dresses to swim wear is the asymmetrical. And I'm talking about everything, from simple one-shoulder tops to drastic hemlines to wacky prints. Fortunately, no matter what your style, you can find some little piece of this trend to spice up your wardrobe.

For day, there are some great printed tops at all price ranges.

Parker Print One Shoulder Top, $141, shopbop

And if one-shoulder isn't your thing, Urban Outfitters has a funky printed tank with an asymmetrical hemline that would go great over skinny jeans.

Printed Exaggerated Hi/Low Hem Tank, $32, Urban Outfitters

If it's still a little chilly where you are, this cardigan by Pencey has an on-trend asymmetrical hem and is great for layering over just about anything.

Pencey Poverty Wrap Cardigan, $379, shopbop

For evening, Shopbop has a few different options. First, Black Halo's on-trend take on the LBD.

Black Halo Split Shoulder Mini Dress, $345, shopbop

There's also a great Grecian-style number by LaROK,

LaROK Layered Borderline Mini Dress, $248, shopbop

and my personal favorite, a draped jersey one-shoulder dress by Robert Rodriguez.

Robert Rodriguez Draped Asymmetrical Dress, $374, shopbop

Swim wear isn't even immune to the one-shoulder trend.

Zimmermann Honey Rider Tarzan Bikini, $220, shopbop

Now, my advice to you is to pick one or two of these items and work them in as staples for everyday. The printed tops can easily be worn under a slick blazer to tone them down and at the same time add just a pop of color to your office wardrobe.

Since this post was a long one, you might not hear from me for a couple days. I want to see a lot of comments on here when i get back!

Cruise/Resort 2009: Hits and Misses

2009-01-01T10:34:00.000-06:00

Normally for Spring and Summer, I focus more on the swimwear aspect, because frankly, it is my favorite. However, this season I'm actually going to be perusing some of the top designer's collections (especially regarding accessories and shoes) and letting you know what to spend your hard-earned (and these days, quite stretched) dollars on.

First up, Bottega Veneta. I will have to start out by saying, I was not impressed with their handbag collection this year. There was something like 38 pieces on the online catalog (not including wallets, mind you) and they all looked basically the same, structurally and aesthetically. Of course, their running theme this season is woven leather, but they did very little else as far as details to set their bags off from the rest. And honestly, it takes a lot to make me want to spend $700 on a wallet anyway, let alone one that doesn't look or feel like it will last me more than a couple seasons.

However, there was one item which definitely caught my eye, but not because of a crazy print or kooky design. Bottega's cruise season version of the leather bootie, which is cut a little lower as well as possesses some great cutouts and lace-up detail, as well as a sturdy heel and slight platform. I think one could wear these with absolutely anything for instant sophistication. Now this is what I fell in love with about Bottega in the first place.

Bottega Veneta Lace Up Leather Platforms, $920, BottegaVeneta.com

Now for another rave: I am totally digging the direction that Louis Vuitton has taken since Marc Jacobs took the helm. He definitely brings more of a young, feel-good vibe to the brand. Two of my favorite handbags from the new collection are below:

I've never seen the use of a print like this on a Louis Vuitton bag, but this is definitely the first piece that caught my eye. The print is meant to invoke the French Riviera. (How do you say "beautiful" in French? haha.)

Louis Vuitton Galliera Riviera, $1,940, eLuxury

Another unusual take on this classic brand is this traveler tote with (of course, more French) lettering on the side. I don't think this is a part of the Resort collection simply because it doesn't feel very summery to me, but eLuxury had a lot of different pieces lumped together in one category. Either way, it's definitely worth mentioning.

Louis Vuitton Travel Shopper Traveller, $2,420, eLuxury

Now, I'm going to deviate from my handbag path for a moment, because these Vuitton shades are amazing! They have photochromic lenses, so when you are in sunlight, the lenses darken and you can see the monogram print on the outside of the lens. Snazzy!

Louis Vuitton Conspiration Pilote Sunglasses, $530, eLuxury

More Spring/Summer '09 trends to come! Stay tuned!

Fashion Tidbits: Round 2!

2008-12-31T13:55:00.000-06:00

Here are just a few little things I've stumbled upon in my travels here in the great, wide world of the Internet, that I thought I would pass on to my loyal (at least I hope you are) readers!!

1) So, I've been out of high school for a while, but for some reason I still love looking at formal dresses. So if you have high-school-aged girls, or are one yourself, I wanted to direct you to GoJane.com. They have alot of great new styles for prom (if you're doing the early shopping thing) and at great prices! And it beats rifling through department store racks at the last second trying to find something that twelve of your other classmates aren't already wearing. (Sound like a flashback? haha.)

2) Something I noticed while Christmas shopping this year: Ed Hardy is now at the Buckle! Now, being as I am a part (however small) of the tattoo culture in this country, I love it when designs like this start to become more widely accepted as everyday apparel. Now, I would argue that the prices of the particular pieces are a little steep for what they are, and I personally haven't had the best luck with anything from the Buckle that isn't jeans, but you may have better luck with the selection of Ed Hardy at Dillard's as well. I think I may have even seen Ed Hardy baby apparel there! How cute! (Can't you tell my kid's going to be one of those with crazy colored hair and mohawks and stuff? haha.)

3) Now, I'm not saying the election of the first Black President isn't a big deal, but jeans?!? Denimology covers the label Red Monkey Company and their new jeans design for President-Elect Obama. As far as I can tell, they don't have a ladies line, but I think overall their designs are pretty snazzy.

Until next time!!

Hot Item of the Season!

2008-12-30T12:51:00.004-06:00

Hey Ladies! (and Gentlemen, we don't discriminate here. haha.)

As you may or may not know, I'm spending my winter perusing Maternity fashions, because I honestly don't want to resort to lounging around for the next three months in sweatpants (i know, gasp!). And I just found the cutest dress on SALE at tobi.com (the link should be updated on my little sidebar over there.) and there's just enough time left in winter to get some good wear out of it! And it won't just look good on my steadily ballooning frame. I honestly think it's the perfect piece to use as a base for a simple, cute outfit this winter!

Left on Houston Landmark Sweater Dress, $125, Tobi

And honestly, can you believe its already time for Resort season? I'll be posting my picks for this summer's hot swimwear here soon! (And if anyone can give me some tips on getting my figure back for swimsuit season I would greatly appreciate it! haha.)

Great News!!

2008-07-25T20:19:00.002-06:00

Sorry I haven't been able to post on a regular schedule. I got a new e-mail and haven't had the chance to transfer all of my mailing lists and such over to it yet.

Anyways, the reason I stopped by my blogs today is not only because I'm bored, but I actually have a great bit of news! My fiance and I are expecting our first child! I'm only about 3 months along, and I haven't even had my first sonogram yet, but I'm really hoping that he (or she) is healthy and I'm very excited for when he arrives! So, around the beginning of March I should be posting some pictures of my newborn!

And it's good news for the blog as well, since I'm not going to be working as many hours, I can sit at home in front of the TV and type out more of my clever and informative posts!

Until then, stay classy!
xoxo Jess

The Search for the Perfect Summer Dress!!

2008-06-05T19:35:00.005-06:00

It's that time again, ladies! Summer's about to hit, and every fashionista is in the throes of a wardrobe re-vamp. What a better place to start than with the perfect summer dress? Whether your style is flirty, swingy, short, long, printed, striped, or strapless, all the best brands are introducing fresh new picks for the season. Below are just a few examples from my favorite sites:

Ella Moss Yasemin Strapless Maxi Dress, $191, Shopbop

Light, bright, and strapless! Perfect as a coverup or for a casual outdoor lunch.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture St. Barts Dress, $175 (On Sale!!), Shopbop

This one just SCREAMS yacht party, doesn't it? (Or maybe just some shopping in the Art District with the girls)

Mara Hoffman Print Sleeveless Draped Dress, $352, shopbop

Just the right length, with great visual interest in both the shape and print. I could see myself out clubbing in this!

And for more modest price ranges...

Three-Tone Silk Dress, $40, Forever21

Luxurious silk-chiffon dip dyed and banded to create a bit darker take on the sundress- but still just as fun!

Lux Braidstrap Print Dress, $58, Urban Outfitters

A bit more casual, with an interesting pattern...perfect with a pair of ballet flats or this summer's "it" shoe- the gladiator!!

Tuck Jersey Dress, $58, Urban Outfitters

Another multi-functional number: by day, a coverup; by night, club attire! Cut in a super-flirty length and style. Not to mention an eye-catching color! Rock on!!

Just think - I found all of these wonderful pieces (and so many more that it would take days to post them all) in just about an hour or so of surfing. If you're still searching, as I am, for that perfect summer dress, please share your amazing finds with me as well!

sweet summer footwear: the gladiator

2008-04-21T14:44:00.001-06:00

So I was browsing through my usual websites, and I found the most AMAZING treasure trove of summer footwear at reasonable prices!

Can you guess where?

That's right, one of my absolute favorite shopping sites: Urban Outfitters.

So, we all remember the boom of gladiator sandals last year, and it looks like that trend's here to stay (at least for a while.) Here are some of my choice favorite styles from UO:

Leather Circle Gladiator, $38, Urban Outfitters

Helena Gladiator Sandal, $34, Urban Outfitters

We Who See Petticoat Sandal, $58, Urban Outfitters

The first of these styles is a bit simpler version of your basic gladiator sandal, with a bit of visual interest in the form of the leather circle connecting the straps.

The second, a simpler version with a modern twist- metallic material.

The third and final, is technically not a gladiator at all, but a cute, somewhat strange interpretation of the summer classic - a thong sandal.

What I love the most about these styles is not only the variety, but the value for the price.

But my one question to all you loyal readers out there is: how best to wear these cute summer essentials? All thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated!

Till next time!!

375 Person Photo Shoot by Daslu

2008-04-07T19:00:00.003-06:00

So how awesome does this sound: your favorite store (if you have one), where you and your family have been shopping for years, surprises you with your very own personal, professional photo shoot. And not only that, but your photo gets published on the cover of your very own personal copy of that store's monthly publication?

Too good to be true? Well that dream (or, rather, the surprise of their lives) came true for 375 of the Brazilian department store Daslu's most loyal clients. And then all of the covers were shared in a large, greatly admired, exhibit.

Wow. Why don't stores in the U.S. treat its customers so well?
[if they did, Rue 21 would have my face plastered on their windows for sure.]

(get the full story on the JC Report)

Happy Black Friday!!!

2007-11-23T17:15:00.000-06:00

Well, everyone, the time has come for one of the best shopping days of the year! That's right, Black Friday!

Unfortunately, I'm not taking part in the shopping festivities right now. I just got in a car accident on Sunday, so I'm wiped out until I get a new car. bleh. To be young and poor.

Anyways, my inbox this morning was filled with not only several Black Friday shopping offers, but also many Holiday shopping ideas. So, I decided that instead of cataloguing my Day-After-Thanksgiving shopping conquests, I'm going to share some great gift ideas with you! Stay tuned!

My latest obsession + another Do/Don't

2007-10-24T17:48:00.000-06:00

Another random post. Ready? Go!

Finally, my home state gets a good rep in the fashion world. Check out this BagSnob article about the Lanvin Kansas Tote - in purple patent! How sweet is that? (Too bad it's $2,000)

AND, I have another trend question for all you fashionistas: Do or Don't? Leg warmers + tights + heels?

I actually think that this one's a DO. It's functional, for one (don't have to give up the pretty pumps when winter hits!), and it gives a casual ensemble insta-chicness. As afraid most of us are of the 80's-throwback, this one actually makes sense. Plus, it makes the new craze of "mixing textures" super easy.

What do you think? Drop me a line, let me know! (don't be shy now!)

Yeah, I need to lay off the coffee. ha.

Blogger is letting me down...

2007-10-23T15:29:00.000-06:00

Okay, well, apparently I can't upload pictures right now, so my awesome fall fashion post has to wait.

But I can bore you instead with a random idea.

One thing that I would like everyone's opinion on is a question that I have been pondering for quite some time, and I puzzle over it every fashion week without coming to a successful conclusion. So, the question is: Is it a DO or a DON'T to wear a designer's clothes from previous seasons to their fashion show?

Many celebs do this, as well as mere mortals who just so happen to be fashion-forward enough to blend in with the glitterati. However, the only positive aspects of this I see are, of course, the flattery factor (maybe if I show her how much I love her designs, she'll float me some free samples?), and the quirky convenience of a walking comparison. (Oh, I've heard of this designer before but I can't for the life of me remember what her last collection looked like?)

But my opinion, overall, is that this just looks tacky and generally embarrassing. Especially for those stars who conspicuously change outfits between shows just to make sure they are showing up in a particular designer's pieces.

However, maybe a good middle-of-the-road solution would be to wear several pieces, all from different designers, and attend all of their shows the same day? I'm not sure how well that would work schedule-wise, but it would save you alot of wardrobe changes!

Go ahead and sound off your opinion in the comments. I want to hear different spins on this and other possible solutions to not look completely dumb when attempting this extreme act of flattery.

PS: Temporary change to the layout. New colors, etc. It's only until I get the time to create some new graphics and other fun stuff, but I did notice that the bright colors of the other layout were hard to see on some people's screens, so if you have any suggestions regarding viewability, let me know.

Looking forward to Spring?

2007-10-22T15:45:00.000-06:00

Okay, everyone, thanks for being patient with me, but I'm finally going to be back doing regular posts, especially now that my favorite season is finally here!

That's right, I absolutely LOVE fall fashion. But after seeing all of these great Spring runway shows, many of us fall-lovers now have a bit of spring fever. But, don't dispair. You can still go out and buy that cute spring dress AND not have to stuff it in the back of your closet until the warmer weather hits.

How? Simple. Just add a few key fall staples, such as an edgy, cropped jacket, tights (you should probably go with wool or something warm if you're not blessed with 60-70 degree winters), and substantial heels (think thick pumps or chunky wood platforms, not sandals) and you have a fresh, insta-chic fall ensemble.

Confused? Take a look at these examples:

Take a cute, printed sundress like this one from Karen Zambos Vintage Couture.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Short Satin Dress, $430, shopbop

Add an edgy, cropped leather jacket, tights (keep 'em neutral), and substantial Marc by Marc Jacobs pumps.

adampluseve Cropped Leather Peacoat, $795, shopbop

Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes Suede Cap Toe Mary Jane Pump, $450, shopbop

Add some color to all of these grays and blacks with a statement tote in radiant red.

Foley + Corinna Handbags Glazed Jet Setter Jr Tote, $490, shopbop

Or, take this more cost-effective example, with the color emphasis on this pretty emerald green dress from Forever 21.

Sleeveless Satin Dress, $22.80, Forever 21

Add a white jacket with a cropped, swingy shape to take this dress from day to night.

Lux Audrey Jacket, $140, Urban Outfitters

Neutral tights and these precious white pumps pull this outfit together, along with a neutral patchwork bag.

Swear Nancy Heel, $60, Urban Outfitters

Parquet Buckle Bag, $58, Urban Outfitters

Note: both of these outfits would work with a pair of gray wool tights. Or, for a more monochromatic effect, pair #2 with white opaque tights.

With each outfit, I tried to add that pop of color that wakes you up on a dreary fall day, and I think that these are not only fashionable, but easy to wear. And when spring finally comes along, all you have to do is shed the tights and jacket and hit the town!

My Mini-Commentary: the 2007 Emmys

2007-09-17T14:07:00.000-06:00

[I know I don't normally do features on celeb fashion, but I decided i'd break out some red carpet commentary just this once.]

There were few surprises on the Emmy red carpet this year. Actresses like Ugly Betty's America Ferrera, The Starter Wife's Debra Messing, and Law&Order: Special Victim's Unit's Mariska Hargitay always dress to impress. (By the way, can you believe she's in her 40's!?!?)

The female cast of Grey's Anatomy also know how to look sharp.

The Ever-Popular Katherine Heigl...

...and the Beautiful Sandra Oh

One of my other favorites of the evening was Weeds star Mary-Louise Parker, who we don't see photographed very often. (I love that show, by the way)

The one thing that surprised me was the outfit choice of Project Runway finalist Laura Bennett, who chose to wear a top that reads "Dress Like You Mean It," which to me does not only make no sense whatsoever, it looked completely out of place with her floor-length textured black skirt.

What do you think? Maybe it's just because I don't watch that show, or maybe it just seems like an odd statement to make on a red carpet, but I'm just not feeling this choice of wardrobe.

all photos from tv.msn.com

Check This Stuff Out!

2007-09-05T23:43:00.000-06:00

Just a couple things to tide you over till my next post (believe me, it's a huge one).

Check this out: I've been falling more and more for miu miu every season and this bag is almost worth the $1,445 price tag.

Uh-Mazing.

Also, this awesome beauty feature from Beauty Addict on Rodarte's runway show. Veryy artsy. I like.

And this too!

Designer Laptop Bags! Sweet!

I am so loved.

2007-09-05T11:34:00.000-06:00

Well, things in my life have not settled down one bit since I last posted, but after finally checking my 500+ unread emails, I stumbled upon so many nice and encouraging comments from you readers! Thanks so much! It's even really great to know that even though I haven't posted in months, my blog is still getting out to people.

And speaking of getting the word out, you'll never guess who found my blog: Katharine Sise! If you recall, I did a post about her a while back, and I caught the most unexpected break! She found me and offered to send me a piece in exchange for the support! (See kids, great moral - keep the dream alive and eventually you'll be rewarded.)

I actually received the necklace (all the way from NY,NY) last month, but once again, I've been having some trouble posting due to my hectic schedule. I've already recieved so many complements on it and the best part is it was FREE!

The style I got isn't on her website, but it is a silver key with a blue stone and a little coin charm on it, retailing for about $195.

And even better than the free necklace, we've been corresponding by email and she's going to let me know about her new projects in the works, which means you guys will know about them too! (and I promise that posts will start to become more frequent as i sort out that 500 unread email situation. ha.)

The Hiatus: Part 2

2007-06-05T13:41:00.000-06:00

Well, there's been a bit of a snag in getting my lease signed for my new apartment, so my computer is still not set up and i'm still not moved in. However, the good news is, i've found some great new furniture and I'm getting a kitten! [pictures to come later, he's so cute!]

So, one of these days, i'll start my regular postings again. Just wanted to do something quick and let you guys know that I'm not dead.

A quite lengthy Blog Roundup + a CONTEST!

2007-05-21T18:23:00.000-06:00

After filtering through 80+ unread messages in my inbox due to my computer hiatus, I finally found my (almost) daily blogarithm emails, containing (almost) every post from (pretty much) every blog I subscribe to. (see list at right of page, I don't just link to those I actually read them all on a fairly regular basis.)

So, below is the product of that, plus another tidbit of information that also found its way into my inbox.

First, Capitol Hill Barbie shares a great product for the rainy months. (Don't you just love the titles of her posts?)

And even though Mother's Day has come and gone, these gift ideas provided by Bag Snob can translate to any occasion, and most, if not all, of them are tres chic!

Also, if you are like me and have been aching to catch up on all of those ANTM reruns, StyleBites provides links to all of the Cycle 8 episodes along with her own professional opinion on the models.

Since I've been slacking on "trend report" posts lately, check out Frugal Fashionista. She takes the words right out of my mouth when it comes to bold prints.

A more recent post by Capitol Hill Barbie -- as she delves into the world of blue mascara, with a mixed reaction.

Almost an extention of my post on colored denim, I stumbled upon this post by Denimology which is part celeb-style-log (Lindsay Lohan, who seems to be gracing the fashion blogs quite alot lately) and part shopping aid, as it spotlights a high-end denim brand that specializes in skinny jeans in a range of colors.

Sassybella has done it again -- gives me yet another great designer to check out, Australian label Tina Kalivas.

Now, drumroll please, that CONTEST that I was telling about earlier. No, I'm not sponsoring a "win-free-stuff-from-my-favorite-online-store" contest (it's a bit of a tired concept anyways, though don't we all just love free stuff, no matter where it comes from?). This contest actually jumped into my inbox via Steve Madden.

And this isn't just any run-of-the-mill giveaway. He's running a contest to see who will design his next shoe! Amazing, no? Check out the details here. Also, if you aren't that design-savvy, you can vote on the submitted designs and become eligible to win prizes as well!

Now, isn't that exciting?

Sorry about the hiatus

2007-05-17T15:23:00.000-06:00

Sorry, everyone, I haven't been up to my usual postings at all lately. The last couple weeks have been pretty crazy, between finals, car shopping, moving and getting a new job....wow. I don't even have time to unpack! But, I promise, posting will resume shortly, including the "featured sites" that I've neglected for the past few weeks (the next one will be at least twice as long, so be prepared). I also just got all my magazine subscriptions finished and I have a bunch of new tidbits to share. And, of course, all of the replies and emails I have recieved will be filtered and posted shortly. Just bear with me.

However, while you're waiting, check this out:

Ali G - Bruno Fashion Show (yay for satire)

Fashion Tidbits: My thoughts about everything from Shopping to Shoes

2007-05-03T14:41:00.000-06:00

Honestly, I haven't had anything very interesting to write about lately, so I've decided to share with you my innermost fashion thoughts, and pose a couple of burning questions for your feedback.

1) Okay, so we've been hearing alot about color lately. Everything from colored jeans to 1960's-and-70's-inspired prints, to brightly colored shoes and accessories. But what about monochrome? Is it completely out this spring? I certainly hope not, because I've seen some people pull of some fabulous all-white and tan-and-white ensembles so far this spring.

So, what do you guys think? Is monochrome always in? Or does it need to take a backseat to bright colors and prints this season?

2) After several years of almost completely ignoring the UK's existance on the fashion horizon (I know, what a shame), I've stumbled upon the most wonderful web store: Office.

Simply put, this may be my one-stop shop for shoes online from now on. They have sooo many cute styles, my lack of a debit card balance was the only think keeping me from clicking "buy now."

Their vast selection of heels contains not only the cutest, trendiest styles, but many can be easily translated from work (I was going to make a pun on the word "Office" but decided against it) to evening. They even have last fall's oh-so-chic ankle boots that I couldn't seem to get my hands on because most stores discontinued them before winter was even over.

And, of course, for those of us who are currency challenged (AKA from the Midwestern United States), they have a handy link to a currency converter that changes amounts from pounds to dollars.

3) I've come across two very strange types of shoe lately, and they've puzzled me to the point where I don't know whether to like them or file them away in my brain alongside Jellies and Crocs.

The first one has been seen all across the fashion blogosphere since last fall.

Tretorn Ballena Lace-up Rubber Boots, $130, Shopbop

Wellingtons, galoshes, rainboots, whatever you want to call them, they're the ultimate in functional footwear - that is, if you're a fisherman. However, that didn't keep fashion's elite from adapting them to be paired with ultra-feminine dresses, jackets, leggings, you name it.

Now, I've never seen anyone actually wearing these outside of a fashion editorial, so please, if anyone can link me to a picture, or describe for me how these can be worn fashionably while not looking like you're about to throw on your hip weighters and catch some salmon or something, let me know.

The second, I actually saw in one of those ad banner things on myspace (fancy that). They remind me alot of Birkenstocks, and according to their website, they're the ultimate in warmth and comfort. Basically, it's a leather flip-flop with sheepskin covering the sole, and they are called Bonsai Sandals.

Bonsai Sheepskin Sandals Model 07 in Pink, $35, BonsaiSandals.com

These pink ones are actually cute, and I love how they coordinate the color of the sheepskin to the color of the sandal. Now, I understand why flip-flop enthusiasts would like a winter version of this footwear, but I'm wondering exactly how long they would last. I mean, they look sturdy enough, but I'm thinking that with that sheepskin being constantly mashed up and trampled by dirty, sweaty feet, they're going to need some kind of regular maintanance.

However, if these sandals seem perfect for you, by all means, hit up the website. They're available in Black, Brown, Blue, and Pink.

(As a sidenote, if anyone actually does buy them (or already has), let me know in a couple months how well they hold up. I have a couple friends who may get some use out of them.)

Blog Roundup: I seem to always be bored on Sundays

2007-04-29T13:35:00.000-06:00

I've noticed that the last couple of these that I've done have fallen on weekends, so it would be a safe bet for you all to expect this from me every Sunday, if not a bit earlier. But anyways, without further ado, here are some more great posts for you guys to check out! Enjoy!

First up, Second City Style reports on changes in bridal trends, which caught my eye since I, like everyone, seem to have wedding fever even though I'm not getting married for a few years yet. (my fiance and I are both poor college students, I don't even have an official engagement ring yet!)

Yet another from Second City Style, a feature on FAME 2007, Fashion and Media Extravaganza, which took place at the Illinois Institue of Art-Chicago, and more specifically the show put on by students in fashion design.

Since I haven't done a designer spotlight in a while, I share this one with you from Sassybella, featuring Soaked in Luxury.

An interesting series for you to check out, StyleBites is teaching all of you wannabe's how to break into the modeling world. You can read part one and part two now, part three will be available Wednesday.

Yet another post on a student show, J'Adore Couture offers commentary on the latest and greatest new designers graduating from Academy of Art University, including pictures of the designs that they presented on the runway.

Trend Alert: Colored Denim

2007-04-25T13:41:00.000-06:00

It seems that the newest SS07 trend is actually a combination of the 70's/80's throwback and the need to brighten up our lives-- and our wardrobes-- as the weather turns warm once again.

The concept is simple, take the acid-wash of the 80's to the next level by adding bright color and a modern shape, be it skinny, or the more 70's-inspired high waist and wide leg.

This piece by Grey Ant is a more practical way to wear the latter style, with a happy medium in both the waist and leg. They are still classified under "high-waisted," but it's a manageable one, rather the extremes that we've been seeing with celebs. The leg, though flared and 70's-esque, is not too wide as to be overwhelming, once again, as we've seen alot of the fashion-forward stars doing lately. And, of course, they offer the refreshing wash of color that marks this trend.

Grey Ant Essentials Jean in Blue, $209 [yikes!], Azalea Online

If pastels are your thing, Urban Outfitters offers a few color options for you. These are also great if you want color, but not an overwhelming amount.

Lux Pastel Skinny Jean, $68, Urban Outfitters, Available in Blue, Pink and Lilac (shown)

Now, my first question when I noticed the prevalence of colored denim in stores was "how on earth would you wear something like that?" Well, I've finally come up with not one, but two, answers to that question.

The first, and more obvious, is best illustrated by a celeb who somehow seems to hit these crazy denim trends in just the right way, Victoria Beckham. The key to this look is the fact that the denim takes center stage, and everything else is neutral (black is the easiest way to go, but you can play around with the colors a little if you want).
However, there is one problem with this look for those of us who don't necessarily want to accentuate our bottom half but still preserve our trendiness (Because, let's face it, not all of us can pull off the looks that Victoria Beckham can). If this is the case, pick a top and accessories that compliment the color of your pants while not competing with them. Here's an example.

Free People Embellished Cami, $36, Urban Outfitters

Lux Technicolor Skinny Jean, $68, Urban Outfitters

As you can see, the olive and blue colors in the cami offer a break between the bright yellow pants and the more greeny-yellow in the top, while still allowing the colors to coordinate well. You can pair this look with flats in a muted neutral tone, a plain bag, and any kind of nature-inspired jewelry (Once again, it can be quite fun to play around with the different color combos).

I'm completely open to any other ideas for wearing this trend, but as far as I'm concerned, the above two are not only idiot-proof, but versatile. Now, if only the skies would clear up and let that sun out, I might actually get in the mood to try this trend.

Blog Roundup Part 2

2007-04-22T14:30:00.000-06:00

It's a slow news day in my sheltered little world, so I've decided to bring you yet another installment of great blog posts that weren't created by moi. Here goes:

I've never heard of Daydream Nation before, but My Fashion Life's interview with the brother and sister team behind the label gave me a lot of insight. Be sure to watch the attached video of their AW07 fashion show, I promise it's like nothing you've ever seen. Theatre + Fashion = bellisima!

Burberry's back! And the best part is, they're going to be opening up new stores in the U.S! If you're as excited as I am, check out Second City Style for the complete story.

SASSYBELLA offers a summary of the new Australian TV show "The Truth about Size Zero," a new twist on the weightloss show, to let teenage girls know that thin isn't necessarily the way to go. I think it's a great idea, but read on and judge for yourself.

FabSugar covers the new Twinkle By Wenlan book entitled "Big City Knits," a book that can show you how to create chunky-chic fashions like the famous designer.

And more news on the environmental trend - Chic Inspector features a great video about clothing waste.

Until next time, enjoy!

India: Fashion's "most anticipated new market"

2007-04-19T12:37:00.000-06:00

Now, I normally don't cover the economics side of fashion, since that's not my expertise, but this is a possibility that's just too interesting to ignore.

According to the JC Report, "India, hot on China's heels, has received acres of coverage over the last year in the business press as the next important emerging market, with great emphasis on the rise of the middle class, the new money billionaires, and a growing appetite for luxury goods."

So what does this mean? Is India soon to become another Fashion Week destination? Will it become the new Tokyo for its adventurous designers and outlandish runway presentations?

From the looks of things, India has its own unique influence, but a couple of the designers, including London favorite (he went back and showed his collection in Delhi as well) Manish Arora reminds me of my Japanese love, Tsumori Chisato.

There are also not one, but two major cities for fashion in India, one being Delhi and the other Mumbai. (Once again, read the JC Report for the full story on the great shopping experiences in both cities) Here are a few pictures of my favorite Indian designers thusfar, from their AW07 collections:

Manish Arora, Delhi

Ashish N Soni, Delhi

Anupamaa Dayal, Mumbai

Tarun Tahiliani, Delhi
[all photos courtesy of JCReport]

It goes without saying that these designers have some serious potential, and I'll bet you the A-list is going to be all over these unique pieces in a few months. As far as I'm concerned, this is a great reason to book a vacation to India, no?

Bright Eyes: Edgy or Just Plain Trashy?

2007-04-18T13:40:00.000-06:00

Okay, before we get into the actual meat of this post, I would like to share with you the spoils of my first shopping spree in two whole months. [Aren't you proud of me?] Since I started my new job, I've been trying to save more money than I spend [Which gets difficult at times, but it's worth it], which means that I've had to forgo many opportunities to splurge. Well, I finally decided that enough is enough and that I can't keep myself from the mall for much longer, so I did some serious shopping the other day - but still managed to come away with some seriously fab steals.

My favorite? This great summery bag from Rue21. [on SALE, can you believe it? It's quickly becoming my favorite poor, yet fashionable college kid store] I've already found several uses for it. It makes the perfect pick-me-up for those lazy days [which, for me, is 4 or 5 days a week], and it makes me feel totally fabulous in my jeans-and-college-t-shirt ensemble while doing the "holy crap I'm going to be late for class" powerwalk.

I'm in love.

Now for the trend. Glamour really got a jump on this one back in March, as it's now late April and we're just now beginning to (sortof) see it on the streets. Basically what this entails is simple, bright, cheery colors that bring the focus straight to your eyes. You can do a single color (yellow seems to be all the rage at the moment) and blend it out, or mix it up with two, even three! You can wing it out at the edges, put it on the top lids only, or line top and bottom lids with different colors, and set it all off perfectly with simple black mascara and understated cheeks and lips.

Here's a photo I snagged from one of Glamour's blogs of Perez Hilton rocking this look. [He went a bit overboard if you ask me.]

The only place I've seen this done in a somewhat cute matter was, surprisingly, at my old high school's prom, where my friend Megan [on the left] set off her springy dress with yellow eyeliner and shadow! [I hope she doesn't hate me for using this picture here]

If you're into this look, you can get the products in several shades and price ranges. For the makeup conisseur [sp? I'm having some serious issues today] with a few extra dollars to spend, try Givenchy Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet, $50, which comes in seven different color combos [Brown Caress Pictured] ranging from mild to intense and are great for experimenting with the technicolor look. Available at Sephora.

A bit more "wallet friendly" solution is MAC Cosmetics. They have not only the Pandamonium Eyes Quad, $36, with beautifully matched colors, but they also have a wide range of single shadows (162 shades, to be exact) at $14 each, which allows you to experiment even more freely for less cost.

So, what do you think of this trend? Edgy or Trashy? You be the judge.

Blog Roundup: Great Posts from Great Blogs (other than mine, of course)

2007-04-14T14:32:00.000-06:00

I see alot of networking going on in the world of fashion blogging, and I've finally decided to jump on the bandwagon... well, sorta. As you can tell, I read alot of blogs, and every once in a while, I come across a post that is purely outstanding in some way or another. Recently, I happened to find several all at the same time. So, I decided to interrupt my normal blogging habits and give these great authors their credit.

First off, j'adore couture takes the words right out of my mouth when it comes to the recent controversy over the new Vogue cover. She also gives some history and insight about the models featured for those who aren't quite up to speed.

BGlam, who always seems to come up with great insights on the latest trends, has compiled a list of must-haves for Spring '07. A must-read!

And last, but not least, Shopaholics Anonymous, a blog that I've taken to reading almost daily. Her blog is definitely worth a look, and definitely worth the time to backtrack a little to her older posts. Recently, she's covered everything from chic businesswear to swimsuits, and even what to look for with your next LBD!

I'll definitely try to keep you all posted on great blogs as I discover them from now on, and make sure you give me some feedback. Did you like my recommendations? What types of fashion sites are you most eager to read? Let me know!

Short and Sweet: Spring Minis

2007-04-10T20:39:00.000-06:00

[Edit: 4/14/07: Sorry, everyone. This post was supposed to be up four days ago, but I got extremely sidetracked with work and school and wasn't able to get the pictures on it until now.]

This season, minidresses are hotter than ever, and now they're available in many different shapes, sizes and prints to suit any style or budget.

First, we have several lengths and neck styles to choose from. Some are short and simple with a bit of a pop, like this metallic shift from Thayer. It is a mid-thigh length, in a bright color, with an oversized tank-top feel.

Thayer Robby Dress, $220, Shopbop

An even shorter and glitzier shift comes from Alice+Olivia, and has even been seen on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker. It has a similar shape and neckline to the Thayer dress, but comes with more of a "pop," with its V-shaped sequin pattern.

Alice+Olivia Sequin Babydoll Dress, $396, Shopbop

An equally colorful and embellished option comes from Lauren Moffatt, yet its a bit more conservative with the high neckline. It features embroidery along the bottom hem, which will definitely draw attention to your legs, so this one might not be so flattering on all body types.

Lauren Moffatt Sleeveless Turtleneck Minidress, $326, Shopbop

My favorite style so far is this cowl-neck number by Laila Azhar. It's a bit longer, making it more versatile in my opinion, and the design seems so classic that I can wear it anywhere, and it will definitely have more staying power than, say, a metallic shift dress.

Laila Azhar Cowl Neck Dress, $425, Shopbop

A more casual alternative by Laila Azhar is this jersey minidress with short sleeves, but she still manages to keep it feminine and sexy with a keyhole detail.

Laila Azhar Keyhole Gathered Short Sleeve Dress, $345, Shopbop

Minidresses are not only showing more skin, but are becoming more feminine, with bows, ruffles, and cute floral prints, just in time for spring!

Combining two of these concepts is a dress by Mara Hoffman. It features a cute print in very girly colors, along with ruffle sleeves and an empire waist to accentuate your upper half.

Mara Hoffman Ruffle Strap Maiden Minidress, $341, Shopbop

My favorite back-bearing mini is this one by Thayer, which not only has a very low back, it is accentuated by a very large, very feminine bow. It offers sexy in a more conservative way, with a simple shape in front but a nice surprise in the back.

Thayer Bree Dress, $282, Shopbop. An amazing dress for an amazing price!

I think that designers have only begun to scratch the surface of the potential of the minidress. It is possible to find one for every style, every figure, every occasion, and in every color or print possible. The preceding examples were only a small fraction of the options out there. This trend is definitely going to be around for a couple more seasons, if not longer. So head out there and find that perfect dress that will fit your style! (I know I sure will, and I'll let you all know when I do).

Going Green: Organic extends to fashion and beauty

2007-04-06T13:09:00.000-06:00

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple decades, you know that pollution and global warming are ever-increasing problems in our society. Recently, there has been a major boom in the production and purchase of "organic" products, everything from food, to fabric, even beauty products! Here, a list of my all-time-favorite organic fashion and beauty products.

Fashion

According to Azalea Online, a premier web marketer of Eco-friendly clothing and beauty products, "High-yield cotton farming, worldwide, uses about $2.6 billion worth of pesticides a year. 35% of that is used in the U.S. It’s harmful to humans and wildlife, contaminating water supplies and killing native species." That's reason enough for me to start adding organic cotton products to my wardrobe.

And Azalea Online has a great selection from different brands, like Loomstate. They design everything from cute animal-inspired tees, to denim, to track jackets, such as this one. And it's all made from organic cotton.

Loomstate Track Jacket in White, $161, Azalea Online

Another great organic brand is Stewart+Brown. I absolutely loved this jacket when I saw it online, then when I found out it was made out of all-natural materials, I was shocked. This just goes to show that organic can be stylish as well!

STEWART + BROWN Organic French Terry Tailored Jacket in Graphite, $190.00, Azalea Online

Stewart+Brown also has cute tote bags and capri pants, among other things, on their Azalea Online page.

And did you know that there are organic jeans as well? I sure didn't. And I also didn't know that they could be as fashion-forward as well, such as those designed by Bread Denim. I definitely want to get my hands on a pair of these dark skinny jeans.

Bread Denim The Deviant Twisted Jean in Carbon, $229, Azalea Online

My favorite organic brand by far has been featured in Glamour magazine, and they're also available on Azalea Online. Edun makes fashionable clothes made from organic materials, they're diverse, and if you didn't know any better, you would have no idea that their clothes were organic, which means they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe.

Edun Gertrude Cardigan in Jute, $215, and Bronte V-Neck in Multicolor Natural, $155, Azalea Online

Beauty

I'm not a big fan of Stella McCartney, but once I heard about her new line of organic beauty products, called CARE, I became very interested. One of the most popular, and in my opinion, useful, products from this line is this Purifying Foaming Cleanser, which contains extracts of hawthorn that helps refine your skin. And you can try this product yourself for a bank-busting $35 for 5oz. I'm not sure if it's really worth the price, but if you're gung-ho on organic cleansers, this does seem like one of the best available.

Stella McCartney CARE Purifying Foaming Cleanser, $35, Sephora

Origins is another online retailer with both nature, and your wallet, in mind. Featured in the April issue of Glamour magazine, this lip balm is great for the environment and your lips.

Origins Smileage Plus Liptint, $10, Origins, available in 5 different shades

My longstanding favorite organic products are made by Burt's Bees. I've loved their lip balms for years, and when I found out that they also sold lotions, I was extatic. I'm extremely eager to try this Chemical-Free, 99% organic sunscreen that claims to be non-greasy and better for your skin than the non-organic ones. I'm sold!

Burt's Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF15, $15, Burtsbees.com

Let's face it, there are some companies that are merely trying to capitalize on the organic trend, so before you buy, make sure the product is legit. The easiest way: read the label. If it's filled with hard-to-read chemicals, it's probably not really organic.

Need more? Another great organic clothing website to check out that I haven't featured: http://www.btcelements.com

The Return of Jellies?: Part 2

2007-04-04T12:05:00.000-06:00

Okay, as hard as this is for me to admit, I made a mistake in that last post covering Jellies (and modern versions of the rubber monstruosity). I hadn't considered the use of rubber and plastic as actually beneficial to the shoe design market. That is, until I recieved the following comment from Anonymous (really people, take 5 minutes and set up a blogger account if only to post comments, so we know who you are):

Um. Jellies are awesome. Those two particular pictures were ugly, yes. But there are plenty of other jellies out there that are cute, particularly flats. And in clear. So yeah. You're being a bit harsh, DONCHA THINK?

I did clarify in my last post that the example of Jellies that I used was from the eighties, which is the design that I remember from when I was a kid. But, as I found out from further research, there are actually a cuter, more modern version of the Jelly shoe still being marketed. You can find them online at Urban Outfitters for $16. [see below]

However, Anonymous still didn't recognize the last question I posed, which was what on earth would you wear them with? Yes, they're cuter than their ancestors, but still not wearable by my standards. I can't see myself working an outfit around these, can you? (Seriously, if you have any ideas, I'm open)

Jellies, $16, Urban Outfitters [available in Green (shown), Red, Turquoise, Black and White]

However, turning our attention away from Jellies for the moment, she made a good point about clear plastic being a cute casual alternative, which I agree with. One good example are the polka-dotted flats below.

Nice 14pt flat, $20, GoJane [available in Black, Blue, Orange, Pink, Red, White (shown), and Yellow]

So, I recant a few of the nasty things I said about Jelly shoes. However, I'm still puzzled by their overall wearability, and still appalled by the fact that KORS shoes would even think of selling their rubber version of the gladiator sandal for $85. But that's the fashion world for ya, right?

The Perfect Swimsuit: Get 'em before they're gone!

2007-03-23T16:03:00.000-06:00

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted in over a week! Am I slacking or what?

Well, as many of you are aware, it's spring break for us college kids, and unfortunately for me, Kansas has been battered with rain all week, which pretty much killed my lake plans. But, my pain can be your gain, because this unfortunate circumstance has made me look forward even more to summer, and you know what that means! The quest for the perfect swimsuit.

As with most seasonal merchandise, swimsuits appear in stores waaay before they naturally should (late winter for most major retailers), and oftentimes we can get lulled into a false sense of security and think we have plenty of time to shop. However, my experience has shown that if you start shopping now, in early- to mid-spring, more of the season's hottest merchandise will be readily available to you.

And already there are a few basic trends emerging for Summer '07 swimwear. Bandeau tops and one-pieces are becoming increasingly popular this season, and now more than ever the biggest trends for spring are reflecting themselves in this summer's swimwear.

The updated one-piece is no longer for old ladies. It's getting a sexy makeover with cutout details and embellishments, such as nautical themed one from Tommy Hilfiger:

Tommy Hilfiger Nautic Suit, $95, www.shoptommy.com

Bandeau tops are reflecting this season's colorblock trend, giving them a bit more edge. My favorite? This beach-ready number from Brette Sandler:

photo: shopbop

The two hottest swimsuit design themes this summer by far are stripes and nautical, or ocean-inspired prints.

Salinas Wide Stripe Halter Top, $55, Urban Outfitters; and Wet Seal Solid Anchor Triangle Top, $19.50, Wet Seal

Victoria's Secret is taking it up a notch and incorporating this spring's revival of large florals with this sexy halter swimsuit. (I'm actually thinking about buying this one!)

Beach Sexy Floral Halter Top and String Bottom, $42 and $38, VictoriasSecret.com

And there you have it. I may do a follow-up to this a bit closer to summer, but this will definitely give you something to think about as we embrace the warmer wearther and you start envisioning yourself doing your favorite summer activities. (and of course you'll be doing them in style in these hot new swimsuits!)

The Return of Jellies?

2007-03-15T12:26:00.000-06:00

I'm a child of the 90's, so I remember a bit about the Jelly shoe and it's "untimely demise." And as most of you know, Jellies might possibly be the ugliest shoe ever to hit the mainstream market.

Jelly shoes from the 80's, photo courtesy of vintageblues.com

I personally don't even think that Crocs can compete with the unpractical, clear plastic monstruosity that is the Jelly shoe. So can you even imagine what the world would be like if they made a comeback? I can, but I don't think I even want to try.

At least I didn't until I stumbled upon these interesting pieces of footwear.

That's right, rubber sandals. Care to guess who designed them?
None other than Michael Kors.

Do these not remind anyone else of a higher-end version of the Jelly shoe?
Just as impractical, a bit more stylish I suppose (sort of a gladiator type style with a jewel detail over the toe, who knows why). But probably just as sweaty, and just as ridiculous.

Can you imagine any celebrity getting their hands on these? I sure can't. I can't even picture the least stylish person I know wearing these.

[KORS Shoes Jupiter Sandal, $85 (are you kidding me? I'm not even going to start on that one.), shopbop]

So what's your opinion on these? Am I the only person who sees a striking similarity between these and the Jelly shoe? Would you wear them? And if so, what with? (Do tell, I'm actually very interested)

Spring Has Sprung! : The New Sunglasses

2007-03-12T18:52:00.000-06:00

Now that we've all officially "sprung forward," I figure it's time to pull out some more cute spring/summer trends. Unfortunately, I can't take part in this one since I am pretty much blind and can't wear contacts. That is, of course, unless D&G or Marc Jacobs decides that they wanna get me a pair with my prescription (har har).

Anyways, on to business. The three major divisions of this style are either eye-catchingly bright frames, subtly tinted aviators, or classic black.

My favorite super bright frames come from Forever 21:

F9111 Sunglasses, $5 (amazing, no?), Forever21

Red and pink are really popular colors this season. [Maybe it's the spring vibe?] But, white is also making a considerable statement. Just check out these high-end examples from Marc Jacobs...

Marc by Marc Jacobs Logo Print Sunglasses, $90 (another great price!), Neiman Marcus

...and these sporty chic frames from Lacoste.

Lacoste, Product Number la12602, 800-272-2042 for stores

Compliment these statement pieces with bright pink or even purple eyeshadows and light makeup elsewhere. This look is definitely very spring.

The 70's are definitely making a comeback, with these sleek aviators. The only prerequisite? They can't actually be helpful in blocking the sun. [Go figure.] Check out these super-slick styles from Cesare Paciotti and Juicy Couture.

Cesare Paciotti, Product Number CPS021, 212-452-1222 to order (USA only)

Juicy Couture Little V Aviator Sunglasses, $220, shopbop

With these styles, layer on some serious dark mascara to highlight your eyes even more, invest in a good bronzer for that sun-kissed summer glow, and add some bright pink lipgloss for added flair.

Of course, black is one color that will never go out of style. Thick, black frames are hotter than ever, especially with barely-there transparent and translucent lenses. [Which, once again, don't do much for sun protection.] These Stella McCartney shades are a great example.

Stella McCartney Plastic Frame Sunglasses, $240, shopbop

This is a great opportunity to bring back the smoky eye. Or, at least, layer on the mascara and black eyeliner. Compliment with deep red lips and you're the face of sexy this season.

Applied Style: The Most Wearable Looks for Spring '07 - Part 3

2007-03-11T18:09:00.000-06:00

For the last post in my series, I've decided to bring out the big guns: a multi-purpose outfit that happens to be one of my favorites for this season. It combines a feminine, yet casual look with two major trends: big prints and colorblock. Think it can't be done? Just look:

First, we're going to start off with this tube top from Urban Outfitters.

Lux Kyoto Tube Top, $28, Urban Outfitters

The first time I saw this top, I fell in love with the print. And then I fell in love with the price. UO seems to never disappoint me. Trendy, not pricey. I love it.

Moving on to the pants. I recommend a pair of capris that are very fitted on the leg, with no embellishments. There are many options, including denim and twill, just make sure they are some type of gray hue. Some cropped opaque tights in a semi-thick material will also work.

Now for the final touch: colorblock accessories. Pretty much anything goes in the bag department, as long as it's white with black accents. It can also be plain white as long as there are no major embellishments, such as this leather tote by Gryson.

Gryson Leather Tote, $995, Bergdorf Goodman

Of course, you're going to need some heels to top it all off, especially if you have short legs, because the capris can do funny things to them if you wear flats. These are my favorites:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Peep Toe Pumps, $360, Shopbop

Also, this particular outfit is very versatile. You can pair it with a nice dark blazer if you aren't in an arm-and-shoulder-bearing climate, as well as with a pair of skinny jeans instead of the capris, using all the same principles, of course.

So what did you guys think about this series? Would you like to see more like it? Let me know!

Applied Style: The Most Wearable Looks for Spring '07 - Part 2

2007-03-08T15:38:00.000-06:00

The look I'm going to show you today is great because it's so versatile. It's not casual, but it's not too stuffy-looking to, say, go out with your friends after a big black-tie event.

The key to making a great evening outfit is a strong focal point. The focal point to this outfit is an amazing dress by little-known label Gina Michele. The materials are classic, and the structure is very mod. And with its soft metallic sheen, you can't miss!

Prince Dress by Gina Michele, $150, Unsung Designers

There are a wide variety of shoe choices for this outfit as well. My favorites, however, are edgy, strappy heels, like these from Cesare Paciotti.

Cesare Paciotti, cod. 931510, 212-452-1222 to order (USA only)

To give it a more dressed-down feel, basic gray or black wedges, like these by Cynthia Vincent.

Image from shopbop.com, item no longer available.

Care for a more rock-and-roll look? Simple with this dress as well. Simply add opaque leggings or skinny jeans with some basic ballet flats, like these from Urban Outfitters.

Mod Mary Jane Ballets, $38, Urban Outfitters

As for a bag, a simple, streamlined clutch is your best bet. Just remember: no patent or metallic, you don't want it to compete with your already fabulous dress.

Applied Style: The Most Wearable Looks for Spring '07 - Part 1

2007-03-05T16:35:00.000-06:00

Alright, kiddies. Time for me to embark on my first blog series! yay! Basically, I'm going to offer you some options for cute outfits ranging from casual to evening by incorporating all of the lastest design trends. And, better yet, I'm going to show you where to get them as well.

First up, a very casual look that can easily translate to summer as well. It consists of a flowy top, tuxedo shorts, and a casual, yet stylish sandal.

Harkham Liquid Style Jersey Top, $200, Azalea Online

Lux Cuffed Short, $20, Urban Outfitters

Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals, style E7105, $500, Zappos

This super-casual look is hard not to love, with a cute and comfortable empire-waist top, simple shorts, and sandals with an updated gladiator look, with jewel details on the straps.

Total price: $720
(pretty reasonable)

And you can even trade the shorts for some dark denim if you want to dress the look up a little more (or if the weather isn't very nice).

Next time: an eye-popping evening look. Stay tuned!

Designer Spotlight: Tsumori Chisato

2007-03-02T13:03:00.000-06:00

Now, this is a designer that I recently discovered while finishing my research on Paris, and I must say, her collection is stunning. From the reviews I've read, it isn't meeting too much fanfare with the "fashion elite," but I see alot of promise in it.

My first impression was definitely a good one, especially after seeing beautifully structured pieces such as this dress:

I've also noticed that she has a real flair for combining her ethnic influences with today's trends. This minidress is a great example. I also appreciate the fact that she pairs it with tights to give it more of a fall vibe, unlike many other designers.

I also love the ease of these pieces, from the color to the structure. These actually look street-worthy (except for the headgear of course).

This coat is equally amazing in its use of color. I wish we saw more pieces like this on the runway. It just screams functional.

My favorite piece was this ultra-feminine-looking dress, complete with a stylish print and metallic gold accents. The fact that it's paired with boots adds to its appeal for me, because I simply love that silhouette.

Normally, Asian designers tend to go a little over-the-top with their runway presentations, but I think that Tsumori does a great job in connecting the nature of the designs to the runway show itself. I only wish she were more popular in the United States!

A blurb about Paris.

2007-02-28T14:27:00.001-06:00

I know I said I wasn't going to do a blog about Paris, but I promise, this won't be a long one.

To tell you the truth, there weren't any full collections that I liked, just bits and pieces from each one. I will say that my two favorites overall were Valentino and Christian Lacroix.

Oh, speaking of Christian Lacroix, there was a rather unexpected visitor at his show...

PETA cracks me up. I had a feeling that this was going to happen. It never fails, really. It's only a matter of when and where.

However, I will say that her flats are very stylish. =]

Also, I'm really liking the oriental theme that's prevailing on the Paris runways so far. Other than that, I'll try to get through the rest of the week with an open mind.

What are your thoughts on the collections so far, or even on PETA? Does anyone our age even support them anymore?

Milan Fashion Week Review

2007-02-26T19:34:00.000-06:00

I'm not the first to say this about this year's Milan Fashion Week, but I was...disappointed. Normally Milan is my favorite, because designers seem to unleash more of their creative flair during these shows. However, this season, New York actually took the prize for that one in my book.

Anyways, on to the trends!

Well, to start off with: Milan, like the rest of the shows this season, kept it simple with a primarily neutral palette.

My favorite monochromatic looks came from Antonio Marras.

Very Elegant, no?

There's that menswear again!

Another trend that I noticed was all over the Milan runways, but was only touched upon elsewhere. That would be of course the numerous shoulder- and back-bearing dresses, which are only wonderful for fall if you're indoors, but I can see them easily translating to spring and summer as well.

My favorite back-bearing dresses are these two from Salvatore Ferragamo.

Incorporating two more trends - metallics and feminine details, such as the bow

This is possibly my favorite. It's very young looking while still being elegant.

One unique element that I would like to point out are the tights at Emporio Armani. They compliment the clothes very well, and emphasize the emerging colorblock trend. Not sure how street-worthy they are, but they were a great addition to the show.

Aren't those great?

But dear Emporio didn't stop there with the colorblock. This cute minidress was one of my favorite pieces from his collection. [Once again, it's obviously not cold-weather-ready, but that's fashion for ya]

Very tea party-esque, no?

As far as I can see right now, I don't think I'm going to be covering Paris, simply because nothing thusfar has caught my eye, but I will definitely keep you posted! There are a lot of great things happening for this blog come closer to spring, so stay tuned!

D&G Advertising Controversy

2007-02-26T15:43:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, sorry I haven't posted in a while. My birthday was on Friday, and I've been wrapped up in all of my plans. And even though it's a bit late, I'm going to do a blog post over the Milan fashion shows within the next couple days, just because I assume that people want to hear what I have to say about the collections.

Now, to the point of today's post. Now, I'm sure you read the headline and cringed while thinking to yourself, oh no, not again. Though this particular "controversy" is really nothing special compared to every other one we hear about, it's one that I have a particularly strong stance about.

The information below is from EiTB24. I got the heads-up about the article on The Fashion Spot.

Dolce & Gabbana angry at advertising campaign controversy in Spain

Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana has branded Spain as being 'behind the times' for demanding it withdraw a controversial advertising campaign, a newspaper reported on Friday.

Dolce & Gabbana plans to pull the advertisement, which shows a man holding a woman to the ground by her wrists while a group of men look on, following complaints from consumers' groups. "We will only withdraw this photo from the Spanish market. They're a bit behind the times," La Vanguardia newspaper quoted the Milan-based fashion house as saying.

Dolce & Gabbana, known for their risque clothes and adverts, declined to comment on the matter.

Spain's Labour and Social Affairs Ministry branded the campaign as illegal and humiliating to women, saying the woman's body position had no relation to the products Dolce & Gabbana were trying to sell.

"One could infer from the advertisement that it is acceptable to use force as a way of imposing oneself on a woman, reinforced by the passive and complicit manner of the men looking on," the ministry said in a statement.

Dolce & Gabbana defended the campaign as art in comments reported by La Vanguardia. "What has an artistic photo got to do with a real act?" the paper quoted the firm as saying. "You would have to burn museums like the Louvre or the paintings of Caravaggio."

The fracas follows criticism from Britain's advertising watchdog last month about another Dolce & Gabbana campaign showing models brandishing knives.

The British Advertising Standards Authority upheld more than 150 complaints from people concerned that the pictures glorified and condoned violent crime. In that case, the company said the ads were heavily stylised and mimicked early 19th century art.

Now, I don't have a picture of the ad, but you can go to either of the links above the article and see it if you haven't yet.

My opinion on the issue? First of all, I think it's pretty ridiculous that some people, no matter what the intended purpose of the artwork, have to twist the facts and infer things that are apparently only obvious to the select few. When I look at that ad, I think, okay, it's D&G, theres a gorgeous girl and a bunch of guys, and they're all presumably wearing the new designs (except most of the males are shirtless I believe). Yes, you would notice that the girl is being pinned down, but to a normal person, that doesn't automatically make you think that it's advocating rape, or in the least, rough sex. Besides, if you see this in a magazine, most likely a fashion magazine, you would realize that the purpose of the picture is to advertise a clothing line, nothing more, nothing less.

I'm sorry if that was a little harsh, but I get worked up over issues of artistic censorship, which is exactly what Spain is doing with this advertisement. And they say the U.S. is bad...

Anyways, once again, I would like outside opinions. Even if they're different from mine, maybe you can help me understand the rationale behind this.

Menswear - Yes or No?

2007-02-20T21:32:00.000-06:00

According to sources such as the JC Report, menswear is back in full swing for Fall 2007.

However, I will admit that I've never been a big fan of boy-meets-girl style. So, I'd like to get a few more opinions on the issue by offering a few examples that showcase the different aspects of this look.

In London, designers such as Paul Smith somehow found out to make menswear cute, as you can see in the following pieces.

He also brought a bit of retro flair to his collection, envoking a 1920s and '30s feel by taking a simple suit jacket, adding feminine details such as the bell sleeves, and pairing it with a velvet dropwaist dress.

However, this baggy style was questionable. It doesn't seem like it would flatter many figures other than stick-straight model types.

Balenciaga's Prefall 07 collection gave us a sneak peek of a different type of menswear- a more straight-laced, military-inspired version.

In New York, Marc Jacobs also harnessed a bit of a vintage feel with this simple suit ensemble. [I might also add that, as usual, he uses color very well here]

Overall, this style is pretty straightforward. For the most part, it involves clean lines, expensive fabrics, and a can-do attitude.

So what do YOU, the readers, think? Is this type of style street-worthy? What looks do you love? What looks do you hate? Let me know!

My Spring Beauty Picks

2007-02-19T20:34:00.000-06:00

One of the hottest spring beauty looks involves fairly natural colors, playing down the eyes and instead making the look pop with flushed pink lips. Below are some products that I've recently discovered [or rediscovered] that will help you complete this look flawlessly.

First, you have to start with a clean palette. One great line that has always worked for me is Biore. My new favorite product is this pore unclogging scrub that not only cleanses and reduces the look of pimples, but makes your skin feel silky smooth. Plus, it smells wonderful!

Biore Pore Perfect Pore Unclogging Scrub, $6.99, Walgreens

Now, to start off your natural beauty look, whether or not you normally use foundation, this product works wonders. It's a powder compact like I've never seen before. It looks a bit like an eyeshadow arrangement, with a mosaic of different colors, but when blended together they all work together to even out skin tone and give you a natural looking finish. [It also comes as a bronzer, if you're into that sort of thing]

Physician's Formula Powder Palette in Translucent, $12.95, PhysiciansFormula.com

Translucent, as far as I can tell, works on all skin tones, and really works to make you look as natural as possible, while still masking any imperfections you may have. The compact comes with a built-in mirror and its own little powder puff, but I prefer to use a natural bristle powder brush, which come in all different shapes and sizes, and allow you much more control over the type of coverage you're getting.

On eyes, gold eyeshadow seems to be the pick of the litter, however, I find that it doesnt look right on fairer skintones. So, I would suggest layering up a good mascara, such as MaxFactor's new Lash Perfection. It has that funky looking rubber bristle brush, which works very well at separating your lashes and adding volume. My eyelashes are fairly dark, so I normally use the blackest one I can find, but if I'm trying to play them down, I pick a dark brown.

MaxFactor Lash Perfection Mascara, price unknown, MaxFactor.com

You may also wish to line your eyes on the bottom only with either a brown or gray eyeliner.

Finally, the lips. When I first began researching this look, I didn't think it could be done keeping all face types and skintones in mind. But this product acts more like a lip stain than an actual lipstick. The best way I can describe it is tinted lipgloss in stick form, that adds natural-looking color to your lips with just a hint of sparkle. The best shade for all skintones is a light pink called Shimmering Blush. [take it from me, because I hardly ever look good in pinks]

And did I mention it has SPF 20? What better solution for looking great while still being able to enjoy the sunshine!

Neutrogena MoistureShine Soothing Lipsheers, price unknown, Neutrogena.com

Looking for that last little punch to your beauty look? Try Sally Hansen's Fire Opal Nail Glaze in Goldspun Opal. It's a shimmery, sheer, pinkish-gold tone that works great with this neutral makeup look. www.sallyhansen.com.

Oh, to be rich...

2007-02-14T23:07:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!! Today, I'm going to try something new for my blog, as a little special treat to you. Something I've never done before. Ready? Here goes.

Over the years, I've gradually fallen more and more in love with Diane Von Furstenburg. However, her most recent collection on shopbop has completely taken my breath away.
That is, until I remembered the price tags.

Diane Von Furstenburg Renny Wrap Dress, $325, Shopbop

The price of beauty happens to be far too high for the average college student [such as myself]. But if I actually had $300-$400 to spend on a dress, I would definitely snatch up one of Diane's.

So, I decided to make it my mission to find equally [or almost-equally] stunning pieces that create the same effect without breaking my already severely stretched wallet.

Impossible? Let's hope not.

After searching far and wide on the good ol' internet, I came to this acceptable conclusion:

Obviously, Diane Von Furstenburg's innovative designs are impossible to duplicate, BUT there are inexpensive alternatives to achieve the same styling effect.

So, I've taken two of DVF's magnificent creations and their [for lack of a better word - cheaper] counterparts, comparing them side-by-side and offering you tips along the way to make your clothes look high-end, when in reality, they're far from it.

First up: The Classic DVF Wrap Dress, modernized for this spring season with a bit shorter skirt.

As you can see, these pieces are quite similar. Both have the half sleeves; similar structure, length, and V-neck; and an eye-catching print. However, the Diane Von Furstenburg dress is an outfit in itself. The latter will need just a bit of updating. Since the print is a bit more drab than the DVF number, I would suggest dressing it up a bit with a large medallion necklace. Add a nice pair of pumps and you're good to go!

Diane Von Furstenburg Jeanne Wrap Dress, $325, Shopbop; and GoJane Lainey Dress, $38.99, GoJane.com

Next is something fairly new from Diane, a sweaterdress, presumably a product of her fall collection, compared to a piece from Urban Outfitters, the epitome of chic for teens and twenty-somethings.

This is one of my favorite looks because of its simplicity and functionality. Both dresses can easily be paired with leggings or tights and boots for a cozy winter look.

Now for the comparison. Both pieces have a similar structure, as well as a large knit pattern and unique collar. The DVF dress is more visually interesting overall, due to the button details and hood. However, the less expensive competitor has long sleeves, which proves to be more functional.

Diane von Furstenburg Kody Cable Knit Sweater Dress, $415, Shopbop; and Free People Funnel Neck Sweater Tunic, sale price $49.99, Urban Outfitters

Hopefully this leads some of you more monetary-conscious fashionistas in the right direction to find unique, stylish pieces for spring and fall that won't damage your budget.

Designer Spotlight: Katharine Sise

2007-02-13T18:00:00.000-06:00

As seen in the December 2006 Issue of Elle Magazine; funky, vintage-style jewelry designer Katharine Sise has a great line of necklaces that mix cute and edgy surprisingly well.

Katharine Sise Gold Bat over Jade Necklace, $195, Azalea Online

This piece is a prime example of Katharine's offbeat creativity- Mixing feminine objects like precious stones with unexpected items like handcuffs, skulls, and bats.

Below are a few of my favorite pieces. To locate stores, visit Katharinesise.com, or you can buy selected pieces (such as these) online at Azalea Online.

Katharine Sise Hematite Black Tusk w/ Gold Leaf and Quartz, $295, Azalea Online

Katharine Sise Carne Sand Dir, $228, Azalea Online

Katharine Sise Skull Tusk Heart Necklace, $147, Azalea Online

Trend Alert: Quilted/Woven Handbags

2007-02-12T12:59:00.000-06:00

A clearly understated element of style for fall 2007 has been the numerous woven or quilted details found on bags by designers such as Fendi, Bottega Veneta, and Marc Jacobs.

Now, this type of detailing isn't anything new to the fashion world, simply a recycling of an old idea. However, designers are changing it up a bit for the fall '07 season by adding interesting details, such as cut-outs, metallic leather, and bright, funky colors.

Bottega Veneta Marquise Mini Tote, $1820

Fendi Crossword Grande Mirrored Bag, $2,230, eLuxury

Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Stam Bag, $1,275, eLuxury

This modern take on a classic accessory is sure to have some staying power, and probably a long waiting list, so grab up these one-of-a-kind statement pieces right away!

ANDY WARHOL DENIM COLLECTION!!!

2007-02-11T19:02:00.000-06:00

Okay, I literally had a fashion coronary when I saw denimology's article about these. Levi's is coming out with a new line called Warhol Factory X.

Now, this may not seem like a big deal to anyone but me, but man am I excited for these. Andy Warhol may very well be my all-time favorite modern artist. I even have an incredibly unique tote bag from Spencer's featuring one of his famous "pop art" designs.

I'm such a nerd, but I love this bag.

more looks from the website:

as a sidenote-does anyone know who the model is in these photographs? just curious.

She definitely represents the clothes very well. I'm not sure I've seen her before, so hopefully we'll be seeing more of her.

Headgear - yes or no?

2007-02-08T14:46:00.000-06:00

One recurring theme on the runways this season was the use of headgear. The looks ranged from normal, everyday hats to scarves, and even more ridiculous forms of headwear.

Now, I completely understand the functional attributes of having the models wear different types of hats on the runway. However, can this concept be applied to everyday fashion?

Let's look at a couple of the more extreme examples.

Jill Stuart, Fall 2007

I'm not really sure what you can even call this furry- for lack of a better term- animal. I think the purpose of this one was to give a more wintery feel to the looks, but on the street, this would look absolutely ridiculous.

Felipe Olivera Baptista, for reasons completely unknown to me, decided to have some of his models wear horse heads - yes you heard me correctly - horse heads. The black and white variations mimicked the color pallete of most of his pieces, and also added to the horse hair motif found on the extremely high platform shoes the models wore. But, Felipe, why horses? That happens to be the last thing I think of when I think of fashion.

Erin Fetherston, Fall 2007

This look, however, is one that I can see easily translating to everyday life. It reminds me of a sequined swim cap, or winter beanie. This happens to be a more glamorous take on normal winter headwear, and maybe it could catch on.

And of course, the wearing of scarves has been around in the United States since the days of sharecroppers, and it may be the most functional type of headwear known to man.

So, what's the verdict? How do you see headgear translating from the runways to the streets, and what's your take on some of the more extreme looks on the runway this year?

Coincidence?

2007-02-07T18:42:00.000-06:00

I'm no stranger to the fact that the fashion world has an open sharing of ideas, but is it possible that two pieces by two completely different designers could be almost identical?

I was looking at an email I recieved from shopbop and I saw these stunning flats by Tory Burch.

Nappa Leather Reva Ballet Flats, $195, Shopbop

And I remembered seeing a similar style elsewhere, on Steve Madden's website. So I went back to check, and I actually found three different variations. These two were the ones that most closely resembled the Tory Burch design:

Dagny and Matrixx, $79.95 each, Steve Madden

Now, you can obviously see the similarities here. Both are a black ballet flat with a bit of a heel, and a large medallion like design on the front. Obviously each medallion design is different, but I thought it was odd that upon first glance, the Dagny style in particular, the styles looked so similar as to be indifferentiable.

However, the Steve Madden styles are obviously made of different, and much cheaper, materials, and they also come in a variety of colors and fabrics, such as metallic and patent leather.

I'd like to hear everyone else's opinions on this one. Do you have any opinions on this coincidence, and have you seen others like it?

Designer Spotlight: Karen Zambos Vintage Couture

2007-02-06T19:52:00.000-06:00

Let's face it, what fashionista doesn't absolutely adore vintage? Well, I do, but when I stumbled upon Karen Zambos Vintage Couture my mouth dropped. She has managed to craft stunning pieces combining both vintage style and the hottest new trends. The result? Comfortable, versatile pieces that are worth the price tag and then some. The following pieces are this year's new additions to her line, as she has recently started expanding her repertoire to include dresses.

One element that ties all of her pieces together is the recurrence of light, loose, drapey fabric.

This definitely adds to the comfort level, and it also means that the pieces are low-maintainance and will probably last as long as you're willing to wear them.

Her must-see designs are definitely the minidresses. Eye-catching, versatile, colorful, what more could you want?

My two favorites:

Nicole Dress, $319, shopbop

Tie Tank Mini Dress, $385, shopbop

The price tag may seem a little much for the penny-pinchers out there, but I assure you that these pieces are well worth it.

Applied Style: Fall 2007 Runway

2007-02-05T17:47:00.000-06:00

First post! And what better way to start out a new style blog than with NY Fashion Week highlights!

Now, one trend that swept the runway this year was this idea:

Use a heavily neutral pallette with only a small a splash of vibrant color.

DKNY exhibited beautiful layered knits in different shades of gray...

...as well as a splash of bright pinks and purples.

BCBG's collection included more extremes, with monochromatic styles.

They also included more creams and browns in their collection, offering more diversity.

But once again, with the occasional splash of red or pale blue.

Miss Sixty approached the monochromatic look with eye-catching metallics...

...and neutral prints.

They also took the "splash of color" concept a bit further with red accessories...

...like these patent leather boots.

I believe that this trend is the most "wearable" for the upcoming fall season. It will be incredibly easy for anyone to replicate this particular design concept, even someone on a tight budget (I'm a poor college student, believe me, I know). Even if you don't buy the pieces featured here, or ones similar to them, the overall concept is universal - and in the fashion world, it's really nothing new.