A quite lengthy Blog Roundup + a CONTEST!

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?

Trend Alert: Colored Denim

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.

ANDY WARHOL DENIM COLLECTION!!!

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.