The Fashion Show Recap: Episode 4

Big news on the Fashion Show recap this week! I actually liked this episode! Sure some of the designs were generic and boring, but there were some gems and any challenge that involves Bergdorf Goodman is a winner in my eyes :)

Let's start with the mini challenge. The designers were asked to design a shoe out of a template that was provided in 90 minutes. The team with the best shoes wins. What resulted were some of the scariest shoes I've ever seen. There was a little bit of everything, pumpkin colors, fringe, and the winners wedges by Johnny.

Of course after making shoes the elimination challenge had to be shoe related. The designers were whisked away to Bergdorf Goodman where they had to pick out a pair of shoes to inspire a whole outfit. As soon as Isaac said "Go" everyone was running around trying to pick the perfect shoe, only Angel couldn't settle on a pair and so was assigned one. Now here's the breakdown of who did what:

Keith - flower Valentino wedges - a black one shoulder cocktail dress with pink details

Andrew - feather Manolo Blahniks - a truly boring two tone dress with an uneven hemline

Anna - brown Martin Margiela sandals - top and harem pants all in mocha/chocolate color palette

Daniella - silver Alexander McQueen sandals - gorgeous fitted leather dress with sheer purple details at the top and silver metallic accents to link to the shoe (can you tell this was my favorite? :)
Angel - red, white and blue Stella McCartney sandals - a white shirt dress with blue accents in the skirt (runner up in my opinion)

Lidia - strappy YSL sandals - a fitted champagne color dress with black gauze panel stretching down vertically (as weird as it sounds)

Merlin - Giuseppe Zanotti platforms - a short summer dress that mimicked the pattern on the shoe

James-Paul - studded Jimmy Choos - a loose fitting cocktail dress, similar in shape to other dresses he's designed

Johnny - colorful Jean Paul Gaultier platforms - a babydoll dress with a ruffle detail on the bodice

Haven - fuchsia Christian Louboutins - black romper with fuchsia panel on the top

Reco - cage like YSL's - black cocktail dress with pleating details with a headdress that made the model look like a fashionable pirate.

Winners: The strongest looks are Reco's, Angel's and Daniella's and after much deliberation the judges award Reco as the winner. I can't say I agree, I thought Daniella's dress was much more interesting but Reco's look will probably sell better.

Losers: It's between Lidia, who's imagination got the better of her and inspired her to create a "coffin cover" as the guest judge called it, and Andrew who copies everyone and made a truly boring dress. Andrew is kicked off, now nobody has to worry about their ideas being stolen.

If you're like what you saw on this episode here are a few suggestions. You can also buy Reco's dress on Bravotv.com.

Since Reco's dress was the winner here are a couple of choices to replicate that look. Don't forget the cage shoes and eye patch :)

Bebe Soft Pleated dress $149 and Robert Rodriguez Strapless Pleated Swirl dress $799 (down from $1170!)

A shirt dress is a classic that never goes out of style. Here's one that caught my eye.

Da-Nang Shirt dress $158

image sources: bebe.com, intermixonline.com, revolveclothing.com

Links à la Mode: Stylist Melting Pot

So excited I made the list with my Cannes post!

Stylist Melting Pot

Edited by Clutch 22

This week’s edition of Links a la Mode includes a variety of style tips, collectively helping us all achieve wardrobe domination. Dirty Laundry gets creative with monochromatic colors, we have a juicy American Apparel shopping tip from The Coveted, Capitola Girl introduces us to new wooden accessories for summer and Vulgar Moon even shows us how to look good in sweatpants. Be sure to check out all the links and feel free to let us know which posts are your favorites!

Links à la Mode : May 28th

• A Typical Atypical: How to wear the fashion of the eclectic makeup style of the the Dresden Dolls
• Agent Dreamer: An interview with Izzy of The Dandy Project
• Capitola Girl: Modern wood designs for summer accessories
• Decline Designs: Defining your personal style, part two - the essentials
• Dirty Laundry: Monochromatic style exploration
• Fashion Grail: A few modifications for one of Sienna Miller’s go-to looks
• Fashion Matchmaker: Fashion at the Cannes Film Festival
• Felicia Sullivan: Score ten amazing summer pieces for under $100
• Pop Your Fashion Pill: 4 DIY necklaces in 30 minutes using safety pins: No scissors, pliers or hooked used!
• Retro Chick: Showcasing Kristinit for this month’s Ethical Design Spotlight
• Style Symmetry: Eyeliah celebrates her 1,000th post with a snazzy reader giveaway
• The Coveted: Who Knew? Over 50% off American Apparel deals on Amazon
• The Demoiselles: Translating boyception - how they perceive our style
• Unfunded: The many ways to play with ShopStyle ranging from shopping to blog content
• Vulgar Moon: How to enjoy the comfort of sweatpants while still looking good
• Style on the street: My outfit and a style advice for the next Fall-Winter
• Yes Please Mademoiselle: Introducing french label ‘The Kooples’.
• Felicia Sullivan: Score ten amazing summer pieces for under $100
• Super Kawaii Mama: Creating an Everyday Glamour Girl Makeup Look - a video tutorial.
• Fun, Flat Broke and Fabulous : 7 Questions to ask yourself before you buy.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Essential Wordpress Plugins for Fashion Bloggers

Fashion Matches: Best Finds from This Week's Arrivals

After posting a Hills recap and Cannes fashion I admit I almost forgot that it's time for my weekly new arrivals post :) Here it is in full monochromatic glory (with one exception). I don't know why I was drawn to all things black this week. Maybe because one of my close friends, who is graduating told me how her graduation gown is a very somber black. Well, these are some not so somber choices, ranging from a Alexander Wang dress, to a Juicy Couture hoody and Chloe boots.

If you saw my posts from New York fashion week you might have noticed that I fell in love with Preen's whimsical line. It had lots of interestingly shaped cutouts. This trend definitely spread to many runways, and here's another example from Alexander Wang. It's your not so basic black dress. You are never too exposed because the mesh panels are there to protect you.

Alexander Wang Cutout dress $595

I don't envy the velour suit designers at Juicy Couture. Every year they have to come up with a new way to introduce this concept to us, and make it interesting so that we go out and buy our fourth completely unnecessary juicy suit ;) Sometimes it's the perfect color, this time however it's a completely different shape. No longer a regular hoody, it's been transformed into a semi motorcycle jacket with an asymmetrical zipper.

Juicy Couture Motorcycle Hoody $168

Riding boots were very popular this fall/winter season and though it's early to start thinking about it Chloe already has a fantastic pair of riding boots out. Usually such boots are simple, as if you're actually planning to ride a horse in them :) These are much more fashion oriented with a suede cuff and leather band wrapped around the boot. They are pretty expensive and only available for pre-order but I predict this is going to be a popular item.

Chloe Over-the-Knee Flat boots $1095

Some trends go away in a season, others are here to stay. This is the case for maxi dresses that have been appearing in stores in all varieties of shapes and colors. I like the simplicity of these two Rachel Pally dresses. In fact I couldn't choose which one I liked more, so I'm putting up both. The caftan dress is actually a design that Angelina Jolie wore. Which one do you like better?

Rachel Pally Convertible Halter dress $216 and Knit Caftan $233

image sources: saks.com, shopbop.com, nordstrom.com

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Fashion at the Cannes Film Festival

The fashion at the Cannes Film Festival is pure glamor. There is nothing subdued about this event and fittingly neither are the gowns stars chose making it truly a feast for the eyes. And really, how can you not be inspired by the beauty of the French Riviera. So lets see what our favorite celebs were wearing these past ten days :)

Dita von Teese has a very distinct style that works wonderfully on her. The gorgeous 50's dresses have amazing detail, this one is an haute couture dress by Jean Paul Gaultier from his calligraphy collection, but what I really loved was the gown she wore with a flower pattern weaving itself in.

I'm much more used to seeing Evangeline Lily in a t-shirt and jeans on Lost but its always nice to see her cleaned up and wearing a gown like the two Valentino gowns below. I have to say I prefer the beaded gown but only because I think the turtle neck of the turquoise one shows off Evangeline's biceps which I prefer on her Lost costar Josh Holloway. Another piece of gossip from my friend Haley who was at Cannes this year - she looks much older in person, another lesson to us all never to compare against celebs because not one of them looks like that in real life.

Elizabeth Banks transformed into a fashion force to be reckoned with at the festival. She was stunning in the red Armani, my personal favorite that I first noticed in my haute couture post, but she didn't stop there. The midnight blue Andrew Gn was the definition of tasteful elegance. I also happen to love the photo of Elizabeth in the silver Zac Posen, she looks so carefree.

Zhang Ziyi looks so tiny and fragile that its always interesting what outfits she chooses to compliment her frame. The floral gown is Armani and she is a goddess incarnate in the beaded gown.

Diane Kruger has built a reputation for being a fashionista, and she definitely chose some more unique looks when promoting Inglorious Bastards (Jason Wu and Marchesa). I cannot say they were my favorite, I lean towards the more elaborate dresses for the festival because the fit the stage so much better, but they are pretty dresses.

Who is Natasha Poly? To be perfectly honest I don't know, but I know she has tremendous style judging from her choices for Cannes. The second dress is Roberto Cavalli.

I wasn't crazy about Kerry Washington's Louis Vuitton dress for the Met Gala but she made up for it with the variety of gowns at Cannes. I wish she wore more color, it is spring after all, but other than that I have no complaints :) Here she is in Monique Lhuillier and Zuhair Murad.

Have I ever mentioned how much I want to go to Spain? It all started after I watched Vicky Cristina Barcelona with Penelope Cruz. Now she's become not only one of my favorite actresses but I've also come to admire her fashion choices. I'm not a huge fan of the lilac Marchesa but the nude cocktail dress from Dolce and Gabbana is perfection.

More often than not we see Rachel Weiz wearing Narciso Rodriguez, which is why it was such a pleasant surprise to see her step in a different direction, specifically a Christian Dior and Valentino direction...not so minimalistic and rich colors that compliment her skin tone.

There were so many gorgeous gowns at this years awards.
Here are some more of my favorites :)

Abbie Cornish in Toni Maticesvski an Australian designer.
Stunning color and layered details and just look at that train!

Eva Longoria in Atelier Versace

Eva Herzigova in Dolce & Gabbana

Devon Aoki in Alberta Ferretti

Claudia Schiffer in Dolce & Gabbana

Sharon Stone in Balmain

Monica Bellucci in Christian Dior and Sophie Marceau in Yves Saint Laurent (J'adore Sophie Marceau, she is the definition of French chic for me)

And some not so favorites...

Angelina Jolie wearing Atelier Versace...personally I think nude is not her color and it's an awkward shape

Joss Stone in...I'm all for mini dresses and even strawberry toed shoes but not for Cannes

image sources: kerrywashington.us, zimbio.com, justjared.com, celebutopia.com

The Hills Recap + Fashion

Only a couple more Hills recaps left for this season! Lets savour our last moments with local sage Lauren Conrad.

Hi Lauren, it's Spencer...

The setup: Heidi's wedding is almost here

The side story: Some awkward moments for Steph and Audrina

Heidi is finally getting the wedding of her dreams, a princess wedding as she calls it. Not sure I'm comfortable calling Spencer a prince but I guess that's for Heidi to decide. The only thing to make her happier is if Lauren attends the wedding. Oh the suspense...will she come? She asks Stephanie to do the dirty work and ask which Steph does but as expected she gets a no from LC.

Meanwhile Spencer's friend is trying to convince him to bury the hatchet with Lauren. This is the same friend that was telling Spencer to play the field and visit Stacie the bartender. Spencer isn't convinced. He's also not convinced when Heidi asks him for the same thing. Will Spencer crack? Judging from the title of this episode he will.

The girls are having lunch complete with alcohol. They are toasting to how far they've come. Can you believe just a year ago they hated each others guts. MTV should really give itself a pat on the back for this one. Seems like everyone, including Lo is invited to the wedding, and going, but Lauren is still playing hard to get.

It's the Nylon party and Audrina and Stephanie are ready to party. That is until they realize their nemeses are there: Jayde and Kelly Cutrone. It's possibly the most awkward party I've ever seen. First Kelly Cutrone walks over to Steph to tell her off about what a horrible employee she was. I completely agree but there's a time and place for these discussions and since Kelly didn't want to fire her that time has passed. Yet this is surpassed by Jayde who is the definition of class. She's fantasizing of bashing Audrina's head and Brody is completely ok with his. Apparently Jayde has a reason to be upset and he doesn't care about his friendship with Audrina. I didn't know this meant Jayde has a reason to be a psychopath as well. After an amazing time Steph and Audrina leave the party.

Heidi is on a mission to get Lauren to her wedding. She comes to People's Revolution to ask her in person. They have a very heartfelt conversation. Lauren thinks Heidi is making a huge mistake, after all Spencer is Spencer...the reason why Heidi no longer lights up a room. I didn't know that's what Heidi used to do. I remember Heidi being a loud drunk but that's about it. The Heidi Lauren remembers is one of the most amazing people LC knows. Listening to this speech you'd think Heidi is at least a Nobel laureate or something.

And now it's time for the truth to come out. Spencer swallows his pride and calls Lauren to apologize. Yes, it was him that spread the sex tape rumors, gasp! He asks her to come to the wedding because it would make Heidi happy. Next episode: the wedding!

The Fashion

This episode is all about Lauren. After all we only have her for another episode. Here's a Jennifer Zeuner necklace she wears in a few scenes and since we often see Lauren in a collared shirt here's a striped one inspired by the one she wore when talking to Steph.

Jennifer Zeuner Swirly Necklace $275

Current/Elliott The Perfect shirt $198

image sources: maxandchloe.com, shopbop.com

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the hills, the hills fashion, the hills recap, Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, Heidi Montag, Stephanie, Spencer, gold necklace, Jennifer Zeuner,Jennifer Zeuner necklace,Current/Elliott shirt, Speidi,Hi Lauren, it's Spencer, collared shirt, Fashion Matchmaker

The Fashion Show Recap: Episode 3

I know this recap of The Fashion Show is a little late, but I say better late than never :)

My general assessment of this show has been that the execution is much worse than Project Runway so it was very interesting that this week's mini challenge was sewing focused. Each team had to repair garments including fixing zippers, buttons, and hems. James-Paul's team won, with Lidia doing the best work. As a result Lidia was chosen as the new team leader, with Daniella (last week's winner) heading the second team, and Reco heading the last.

With the team leaders in place Isaac Mizrahi announced the challenge for this week. Each team was to create a coat, one coat for each season, adding something interesting and unexpected into the construction. Here was a chance for everybody to be creative, and the results were interesting indeed. Both Daniella and Lidia's team chose a jet-setting theme while Reco decided to go more over the top and said his vision was Aeon Flux the comic book.

Here's how it all broke down:

Daniella's team

Keith - summer - a silver coat a part of which detaches to become a blanket you can tan on

Andrew - spring- a shorter raincoat that unfolds into a almost matrixy length one

Anna - fall - a tweed bubble shaped coat with gloves coming out of the sleeves

Daniella - winter - a ruffled sleeve coat with pockets under the ruffles containing goodies like a phone

Lidia's team

Angel - spring - silver bomber like jacket that extends

Lidia - summer - a light aqua raincoat with a built in umbrella like cover that you have to hold over your head

Merlin - fall - a black jacket, and I honestly don't remember what the trick is so couldn't have been that memorable :)

James-Paul - winter - a black blubble jacket that turns into a sleeping bag

Reco's team

Johnny - spring - a jacket that turns into a shoe organizer in the back (how useful ;)

Haven - summer - a silverish jacket with pockets to store hairspray and a mirror

Markus - fall - a jacket with an attached piece for jewelry in case you wanted to sell your jewels on the street

Reco - winter - a fantastic white and red piping ski suit with a bag/shawl on the back that can carry a thermos.

Of all the looks I thought Reco's ski suit was the most original but Anna's tweed coat was something I could see myself wearing.

Winners: Daniella's team won, with Andrew's raincoat winning the best of the four. Some drama started because Daniella piped in how she as head designer gave Andrew the idea and helped with practically everything but Isaac Mizrahi and judge Norma Kamali shot her down saying she should have kept her mouth shut.

Losers: Reco's team was the losing team despite his ski suit, and between Markus and Haven, Markus was sent home for being overly confident without being able to execute.

Inspired by the show here are a couple of convertible jackets. The winning look can as usual be bought on BravoTV.com. Special mention: I loved Kelly Rowland's Roland Mouret dress for the judging sessin.

A Cole Haan jacket that can be zipped up into a bag and has a hood that unzips in the back.

Cole Haan Packable Iridecent coat $263

A Rudsak black coat with gloves attached to the sleeves.

Rudsak wool coat $578

image sources: nordstrom.com, shopgoldyn.com

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Fashion Matches: Best Finds from This Week's Arrivals

I went overboard with this weeks new arrivals. What do I like more? A Maje blouse that adds a great pop of color, Alice + Olivia dresses that couldn't be further apart in vibe and style, super hot Ksubi jeans, or a new bag from Botkier with awesome zipper detail? I couldn't choose so here they all are :)

This is actually the first item that I noticed this week. I love the details of this blouse - the scarf, the rolled up sleeves, the slightly puffed up shoulders...Any time you want to look sophisticated and stylish, pair this top with a pair of jeans or pants and your good to go.

Maje Kimiko silk shirt $295

As soon as I saw this dress I thought of Anne Hathaways dress from the Critics Choice awards. Hers was a longer Ferre version and I must say I prefer this simpler dress from Alice + Olivia. It does not overwhelm but rather shows off the interesting construction.

Alice+Olivia Fan Colorblock dress $368

Here's a tres sexy metallic Alice + Olivia dress. Here's whats great about it - sometimes I admit I choose rest to having more time to get ready before going out. This dress is perfect for those nights because the jewelry is already built in, no need to spend time thinking about it :)

Alice+Olivia Chain Necklace Linen dress $297

I love these skinny metallic jeans. They can dress up an outfit and the zipper at the bottom is a great touch.

Ksubi Super Skinny Zip jeans $250

I got my first Botkier bag over a year ago and it's been my constant companion ever since. I'm not looking for a replacement yet but this is an excellent contender. The zippers add an edgy element but it's still a classic handbag that will stand the test of time.

Botkier Venice Satchel $595

image sources: net-a-porter.com, saks.com, bloomingdales.com, tobi.com

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The Hills Recap + Fashion

Another recap + fashion this week, with fashion coming from unexpected sources...

Father of the Bride

The setup: Heidi's cowboy dad is coming to town

The side story: Steph is having a terrible week

Heidi's dad Bill found out she's marrying the biggest jerk and he's concerned. Spencer's extra lucky because Heidi's dad is a real cowboy, with a gun and everything. The cherry on top? Spencer is the first boyfriend he's ever met. Sadly my expectations for this episode are never realized. It looks like Spencer and Heidi's father are in love. Over lunch they bond over "protecting families" and going to shoot some rattlesnakes together. It's like he's Spencer but 90 years older, with a cowboy hat, and wearing yellow jeans and a blue jean jacket. I'll definitely have to review where to get that look in the fashion part of this post ;).

Lauren has to fire Stephanie. Something tells me she's going to be the last to find out. Brody already knows. Not that I think Steph cares...she's hanging out with the White Tie affair, a band that Audrina was helping during a shoot. They meet up for drinks at a bar and it's all going well until the guy tells Steph he has "a situation" at home. I bet his gf will love to be called "a situation" on tv. Things turn from bad to worse for Steph when Lauren fires her. So no rocker bf or a job for her.

Now let me set the mood: it's twilight, Spencer and Heidi are walking to a Ferris Wheel, Heidi screaming about being afraid of heights. It's romance at its best. Suddenly the wheel stops and Spencer proposes with a huge ring (after a short discussion of all the steps that need to be taken before marriage) And so it's "Till death do us part not divorce do us part" as Heidi so eloquently puts it. Congratulations Speidi!

The fashion

This is completely unexpected but the most inspired outfit today came from Heidi's father Bill. The minute I saw his yellowish jeans I knew I had a winner.

Forever21 Fab Straight Leg Color jean $12.50 (can't believe they are only $12.50!)

For fans of the plaid vest look that Audrina was wearing here's a more summery one.

Guess CJ Plaid vest $39.50

image sources: guess.com, forever21.com

Technorati links:
the hills, the hills fashion, the hills recap, Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, Heidi Montag, Stephanie, Spencer, Heidi's dad, yellow jeans, color jeans,plaid vest,Guess vest, Speidi,Father of the Bride, Forever21 jeans, Fashion Matchmaker