Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween everyone! I am still in Amsterdam, will be back on Sunday with some beautiful pics :)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Fashion Matches: Best Finds from This Week's New Arrivals
This week it's all about accessories! Just like when we speak the tone of our voices gives a completely different flavor to what we're saying, same with accessories and outfits. That's why it's so important to chose just the right one.
I know it's not summer anymore but I couldn't help including this white watch. There are plenty of white watches out there but what sets this one apart is that it's understated. There's no diamonds around the perimeter. It's a simple watch for everyday and makes any outfit look fresh and clean.
Something else that's omnipresent? The color purple. We've heard it all. It's regal, it's sophisticated. If you're in the mood to add some purple to your closet, this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is an easy answer. It's a roomy, slouchy bag, perfect for work or a carefree weekend.
If you want to wear a plain tee but worried it'll look too casual dressing it up with jewelry is the perfect solution. This necklace sparkles so bright it'll blind your neighbor!
I know I said I'd stick to accessories but I couldn't help including this Mike & Chris sweater/dress. Awesome details, I love the sleeves, and it's such an easy look to pull off.
I know it's not summer anymore but I couldn't help including this white watch. There are plenty of white watches out there but what sets this one apart is that it's understated. There's no diamonds around the perimeter. It's a simple watch for everyday and makes any outfit look fresh and clean.
Something else that's omnipresent? The color purple. We've heard it all. It's regal, it's sophisticated. If you're in the mood to add some purple to your closet, this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is an easy answer. It's a roomy, slouchy bag, perfect for work or a carefree weekend.
If you want to wear a plain tee but worried it'll look too casual dressing it up with jewelry is the perfect solution. This necklace sparkles so bright it'll blind your neighbor!
I know I said I'd stick to accessories but I couldn't help including this Mike & Chris sweater/dress. Awesome details, I love the sleeves, and it's such an easy look to pull off.
Mike & Chris Archie cashmere tunic $425
image sources: net-a-porter.com, shopbop.com, anthropologie.com
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Project Runway Recap: Epsiode 10
Only a few weeks until we know who's going to be showing in the tents! This week the designers were asked to create a look inspired by one of the places that inspires Michael Kors. So what is Michael Kors inspired by? Predictably many places in the US, Palm Beach, Sante Fe, Hollywood, New York, Aspen, and a couple of foreign locals, St. Tropez and Greece.
I'd just like to mention that Greece is one of my all time favorite places, especially the place where the photo was taken, the island of Santorini. I was really excited to see what outfit would be made inspired by the gorgeous photo, right up until Nicolas decided to pick it as his inspiration.
Carol Hannah chose Palm Beach and made a very pretty maxi dress in a palm tree print. Irina made a three piece look to represent Aspen, a pair of ski pants, cowl neck sweater with a cut out in the back and a faux fur vest. Christopher wanted to make an impression so badly but only saw sky and dirt in Sante Fe so his fabric choices made the dress look dowdy. Gordana spent most of her time making an exquisite jeweled necklace and then designed a simple grey dress to represent chic New York. Logan went for the young Hollywood look with simple jeans, tank and a vest, nothing special but not bad. I really liked Althea's shorts and sheer blouse and would definitely wear that in St. Tropez but it was strange to hear her say no one has done anything like it before.
This brings me to Nicolas. I don't understand how looking at the photo on the left, he could have made the outfit on the right. It has absolutely nothing to do with Greece, and even if you take that out of the equation it's still just a simple shirt and pants.
Winners: Carol Hannah, Gordana, and Irina were in the top three. I thought either Carol Hannah or Gordana would win, but instead Gordana was told to be more confident about her designs and overly confident Irina won the challenge.
Losers: Logan, Christopher and Nicolas were in the bottom three. All of them didn't take enough of a risk but in Nicolas' case he also totally missed the mark since his look had nothing to do with the "inspiration". Though I was upset about the Greece outfit being screwed up I was happy that Nicolas was finally kicked off.
For a little bit of Palm Beach in your wardrobe here's a cute maxi dress.
If Aspen is more up your alley here's a comfy cowl neck sweater and a fur vest.
images sources: greektravel.com, mylifetime.com, nordstrom.com, shopbop.com, armaniexchange.com
I'd just like to mention that Greece is one of my all time favorite places, especially the place where the photo was taken, the island of Santorini. I was really excited to see what outfit would be made inspired by the gorgeous photo, right up until Nicolas decided to pick it as his inspiration.
Carol Hannah chose Palm Beach and made a very pretty maxi dress in a palm tree print. Irina made a three piece look to represent Aspen, a pair of ski pants, cowl neck sweater with a cut out in the back and a faux fur vest. Christopher wanted to make an impression so badly but only saw sky and dirt in Sante Fe so his fabric choices made the dress look dowdy. Gordana spent most of her time making an exquisite jeweled necklace and then designed a simple grey dress to represent chic New York. Logan went for the young Hollywood look with simple jeans, tank and a vest, nothing special but not bad. I really liked Althea's shorts and sheer blouse and would definitely wear that in St. Tropez but it was strange to hear her say no one has done anything like it before.
This brings me to Nicolas. I don't understand how looking at the photo on the left, he could have made the outfit on the right. It has absolutely nothing to do with Greece, and even if you take that out of the equation it's still just a simple shirt and pants.
Winners: Carol Hannah, Gordana, and Irina were in the top three. I thought either Carol Hannah or Gordana would win, but instead Gordana was told to be more confident about her designs and overly confident Irina won the challenge.
Losers: Logan, Christopher and Nicolas were in the bottom three. All of them didn't take enough of a risk but in Nicolas' case he also totally missed the mark since his look had nothing to do with the "inspiration". Though I was upset about the Greece outfit being screwed up I was happy that Nicolas was finally kicked off.
For a little bit of Palm Beach in your wardrobe here's a cute maxi dress.
If Aspen is more up your alley here's a comfy cowl neck sweater and a fur vest.
images sources: greektravel.com, mylifetime.com, nordstrom.com, shopbop.com, armaniexchange.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Fashion Matches: Best Finds from This Week's New Arrivals
These are just some items that popped out from my weekly new arrivals review. More and more I'm seeing cute skirts which really helps in bringing variety to a wardrobe. Gryphon and Brian Reyes are just two that I've singled out but there are plenty more.
I love this dress by Jenni Kayne, it's cute and I can picture more than one 90210/Gossip Girl cast member going for it.
This Gryphon skirt screams Art Deco. Just sequins is no longer good enough, now there are sequin patterns. Pair this with a black shirt not to overwhelm the look.
I love this dress by Jenni Kayne, it's cute and I can picture more than one 90210/Gossip Girl cast member going for it.
A ruffled skirt with a pattern may seem like overkill normally, but Brian Reyes found a perfect way to make it work. It's definitely a fun skirt.
I have a special place in my heart for form fitting blazers. Probably because they are so hard to find. This one has that same uneven hemline as Nanette Lepore jackets this season, but it's a more edgy approach.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Project Runway Recap: Episode 9
It's Episode 9 and both Gordana and Nicolas are still here, and Gordana has immunity so she's sticking around no matter what. Ok, now that I've vented here's what happened in this episode. If you're a fan of sequins, beading, and sparkles in general this was the episode for you. The designers had to create a stage costume for Christina Aguilera! As inspiration they first got a glance at the glamorous outfits Bob Mackie had created over the years for Cher, Tina Turner and other divas.
Great, another chance for the designers to step over the boundaries and really make something fun and outrageous. At least that's what I thought. I was of course wrong because the results weren't quite as exciting. There were quite a few gowns with sequins thrown in courtesy of Shirin, Gordana, Althea, and Carol Hannah. Carol Hannah's dress was a black column with just the right amount of sparkle and feathers, truly well made, though I don't see it as a stage costume since the model could barely walk in it. On the short end were Christopher, Nicolas, Irina, and Logan. Christopher made a corset and hot shorts that were reminiscent of Moulin Rouge but didn't quite rise to that standard according to the judges. Christina seemed to like it actually but the judges shut her up. I appreciated for at least being different. Nicolas' dress was total deja vu of the ice queen dress but the short version, it reminded me a lot of Roberto Cavalli dresses.
As a side note: I think Nicolas and Irina are competing for whose bitchier. I'm excited to see who wins this battle :)
Winners: Top marks were given to Nicolas, Carol Hannah and Althea for making a silver sequined dress with a pattern that would definitely stand out on stage. Carol Hannah won her first challenge which I was happy about because she has definitely been consistent in making beautiful clothes.
Losers: Gordana's dress was a white monstrosity but she had immunity so couldn't be kicked off. As a result the bottom three included Christopher, Logan and Shirin. Logan was the only one to use a print but the zebra print and fur shawl made the model look like a Flinstone going to a rock concert. Shirin's dress was a disaster of a gown with different shiny fabric to make for a fuller skirt. In the end Shirin was the one asked to leave.
If you want some feathers in your closet here's a great Madison Marcus dress.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fashion Matches: Best Matches From This Week's New Arrivals
Grey is the new black...purple is the new black...navy is the new black...I'm waiting for the moment that someone says pink is the new black. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that black is the new black, and these looks prove nothing beats it, especially when you add a little leather.
This is such a cute top from Alice + Olivia. The capped sleeves give it a great edge and it looks fantastic with jeans, skirts or pants.
Leggings are a continuing trend this year. These ones have latex panels that add a little something extra. I have to admit I'm a big fan of leggings and hope the trend will stay strong because it's not very often that something so comfortable is sexy as well ;)
To add to this rocker vibe is a pair of platforms that will make you tower over everyone. I like the buckle details. Skinny jeans or tights would be a perfect match for these booties.
I couldn't end the post without a couple of dresses. If your fashion icon is Posh Spice then the Rock & Republic mini is perfect. Sheer overlay and leather make for an interesting neckline. The LifewithBird dress is on the opposite end of the spectrum. It's still short, but has a blousy top and full skirt. If you want to look cute but not like you're trying too hard this dress is perfect. It'd go great with a pair of funky shoes and a clutch or a bag on a long chain.
image sources: shopbop.com, revolveclothing.com, saks.com
This is such a cute top from Alice + Olivia. The capped sleeves give it a great edge and it looks fantastic with jeans, skirts or pants.
Leggings are a continuing trend this year. These ones have latex panels that add a little something extra. I have to admit I'm a big fan of leggings and hope the trend will stay strong because it's not very often that something so comfortable is sexy as well ;)
To add to this rocker vibe is a pair of platforms that will make you tower over everyone. I like the buckle details. Skinny jeans or tights would be a perfect match for these booties.
I couldn't end the post without a couple of dresses. If your fashion icon is Posh Spice then the Rock & Republic mini is perfect. Sheer overlay and leather make for an interesting neckline. The LifewithBird dress is on the opposite end of the spectrum. It's still short, but has a blousy top and full skirt. If you want to look cute but not like you're trying too hard this dress is perfect. It'd go great with a pair of funky shoes and a clutch or a bag on a long chain.
image sources: shopbop.com, revolveclothing.com, saks.com
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Paris Fashion Week: Spring 2010
There's something special about Paris fashion week. Maybe because the phrase "french chic" has been drilled into our heads. One thing however is clear, in Paris we finally saw a trend, and one that I find quite charming: the short full skirt. Chanel, Dior, Alexander McQueen all took part. The most visually stunning show was definitely Alexander McQueen. The surreal prints were out of this world. Lindsay Lohan made her fashion debut, and though I'm not including the Ungaro line, there are lots of collections that are more worthwhile, I do hope this is a jumping off point to better things.
Alexander McQueen
All I can say is wow! I couldn't turn away from the prints Alexander McQueen created for his collection. This is an optical illusion I want to be part of. Not only are the prints mesmerizing but I love all the shapes of these dresses as well.
Christian Dior
Did I mention the short twirly skirt trend? :)
John Galliano
Here's another man who seamlessly molds fashion and art. While not as outrageous as his previous collection it was still quite the spectacle. This collection was an ode to old Hollywood glamor, which I can especially see in the embroidered dress below.
Chanel
So I've listened to Rachel Zoe and her troop drivel on about their love of Chanel and it must have seeped in because I love this collection. The tweed jackets, the adorable dresses, and that hat, all set in the French countryside. The only thing I didn't understand were the clogs, I haven't seen those since the early 90's and I was hoping that was the last time I'd see them.
Alexander McQueen
All I can say is wow! I couldn't turn away from the prints Alexander McQueen created for his collection. This is an optical illusion I want to be part of. Not only are the prints mesmerizing but I love all the shapes of these dresses as well.
Christian Dior
Did I mention the short twirly skirt trend? :)
Yves Saint Laurent
While most collections were colorful and fun, YSL showed us the serious side of fashion. If only the pilgrims saw how their beloved collars were interpreted in this collection.
While most collections were colorful and fun, YSL showed us the serious side of fashion. If only the pilgrims saw how their beloved collars were interpreted in this collection.
John Galliano
Here's another man who seamlessly molds fashion and art. While not as outrageous as his previous collection it was still quite the spectacle. This collection was an ode to old Hollywood glamor, which I can especially see in the embroidered dress below.
Stella McCartney
Yes, it's the same skirt again. Also love this robe like dress. It was a collection of wearable pieces, simple clothes, with a bit of a 70's feel.
Yes, it's the same skirt again. Also love this robe like dress. It was a collection of wearable pieces, simple clothes, with a bit of a 70's feel.
Chanel
So I've listened to Rachel Zoe and her troop drivel on about their love of Chanel and it must have seeped in because I love this collection. The tweed jackets, the adorable dresses, and that hat, all set in the French countryside. The only thing I didn't understand were the clogs, I haven't seen those since the early 90's and I was hoping that was the last time I'd see them.
Louis Vuitton
It's hard to look at clothes when there's a giant Afro in front of you, but that's exactly what Marc Jacobs expected us to do. Our preppy school girl has many day looks to choose from and accessories to match, a messenger bag and furry shoes.
It's hard to look at clothes when there's a giant Afro in front of you, but that's exactly what Marc Jacobs expected us to do. Our preppy school girl has many day looks to choose from and accessories to match, a messenger bag and furry shoes.
Miu Miu
A testament to how a print can fuse together a collection, and make it feel connected. I liked the interesting sleeves, the bold collars, the focused color palette.
A testament to how a print can fuse together a collection, and make it feel connected. I liked the interesting sleeves, the bold collars, the focused color palette.
Jean Paul Gaultier
Remember the movie "Fifth Element"? This felt very much like a continuation on that futuristic theme. What if we had to wear a evening gown in 3019? Why not this orange number?
Remember the movie "Fifth Element"? This felt very much like a continuation on that futuristic theme. What if we had to wear a evening gown in 3019? Why not this orange number?
Nina Ricci
It seems like several designers want a place in Lady Gaga's closet because otherwise I can't explain the prevalence of models walking around in basically underwear. That said, it is cute underwear and I like the sheer dress with an even sheerer cape.
image sources: style.com
It seems like several designers want a place in Lady Gaga's closet because otherwise I can't explain the prevalence of models walking around in basically underwear. That said, it is cute underwear and I like the sheer dress with an even sheerer cape.
Valentino
I have always felt that Valentino was my mother's kind of fashion house. Even when Valentino himself left, the spirit lived on in previous collections, but this is a step forward and an appeal to a younger audience. I'm not sure if this is wise, if Valentino is going to lose it's clientele but I certainly appreciate it more.
I have always felt that Valentino was my mother's kind of fashion house. Even when Valentino himself left, the spirit lived on in previous collections, but this is a step forward and an appeal to a younger audience. I'm not sure if this is wise, if Valentino is going to lose it's clientele but I certainly appreciate it more.
image sources: style.com
Friday, October 9, 2009
Project Runway Recap: Episode 8
I have to admit I got excited when I saw the new "models" coming out for Project Runway's latest episode. These were real women in their wedding dresses. The challenge: to recreate the wedding dress into something modern and stylish.
Once the designers picked their brides, mostly in order of fabric their dress contained, it was time to talk to their clients to see what the brides wanted. Most interesting was Shirin's girl who wanted a Las Vegas stage dress , something Shirin was sure would land her in the bottom. Another interesting point, several designers dyed the dresses to a darker color. Irina's was a favorite, her lace dress complimented her client incredibly well. I also though Carol Hannah did a great job with a tulle dress. Christopher made a pretty shapeless bubble dress that did not feel age appropriate. There were two pants looks provided by Nicolas and Logan, both hideous.
Winners: Irina, Gordana and Shirin were at the top. The judges loved the pattern Shirin stitched on her white mini dress. I did not understand this decision, it was an ok dress, but nothing to write home about. I thought Carol Hannah should have been in the top instead. Gordana's dress was a strapless rocker chic number and suited her client, and the judges rewarded her with a win.
Losers: Logan, Christopher and Epperson were at the bottom, which is really sad because I like all three. I have no idea why Nicolas was not on this list, his pants and top were the opposite of fashion. Logan's was the most poorly made of the three, the pants still needed to be tailored and the vest/shirt was a mess. Epperson made an A-line dress with details around the waist that reminded Heidi of Oktoberfest. Maybe it looked worse in person but I didn't have such a violent reaction to Epperson's design. Sadly he was the one asked to leave.
Here's a strapless dress that's quite cute.
Once the designers picked their brides, mostly in order of fabric their dress contained, it was time to talk to their clients to see what the brides wanted. Most interesting was Shirin's girl who wanted a Las Vegas stage dress , something Shirin was sure would land her in the bottom. Another interesting point, several designers dyed the dresses to a darker color. Irina's was a favorite, her lace dress complimented her client incredibly well. I also though Carol Hannah did a great job with a tulle dress. Christopher made a pretty shapeless bubble dress that did not feel age appropriate. There were two pants looks provided by Nicolas and Logan, both hideous.
Winners: Irina, Gordana and Shirin were at the top. The judges loved the pattern Shirin stitched on her white mini dress. I did not understand this decision, it was an ok dress, but nothing to write home about. I thought Carol Hannah should have been in the top instead. Gordana's dress was a strapless rocker chic number and suited her client, and the judges rewarded her with a win.
Losers: Logan, Christopher and Epperson were at the bottom, which is really sad because I like all three. I have no idea why Nicolas was not on this list, his pants and top were the opposite of fashion. Logan's was the most poorly made of the three, the pants still needed to be tailored and the vest/shirt was a mess. Epperson made an A-line dress with details around the waist that reminded Heidi of Oktoberfest. Maybe it looked worse in person but I didn't have such a violent reaction to Epperson's design. Sadly he was the one asked to leave.
Here's a strapless dress that's quite cute.
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