Thursday, October 28, 2010

enchanted in holywood




Kate, Sophia, Gweneth and Hillary are leading the pack on Hollywood fashion for 2010.  These women have become icons in the ever changing celebrity landscape, bringing a timeless look that surpasses the changing trends.

Their beautiful photo shoot for Elle showcases their beauty- as women, fashion icons, and talented actresses.  Kate's sweet spring look may seem out of season for the chilly weather outside, but the bright colors of her blouse/skirt combo bring life to any outfit this fall.  My favorite part of this portrait is her bright candy apple red color on her nails.  Her next goal: to show her edgy side on the silver screen, taking darker roles. Fearless!

Sofia Coppola wowed audiences with her female perspective in directing Marie Antionette.  Her stunning down to earth look in the Elle portrait showcases her level-headed approach to her work.  As one of only a handful of female directors in Hollywood, Sofia is rewriting Hollywood history and paving a path for female directors worldwide.

I love Gweneth's look in this portrait, she seems to attract the sunlight! Her stunning beauty has become the poster girl for the smart, risk taking actress.  Her presentation has earned her many respectable roles, most popular her role in the Iron Man movies.  Her beauty and fashion sense both in front and behind the camera has made her a go-to model for a classy, sophisticated look.

Hillary's talent has taken her high in the ranks in the Hollywood hierarchy.  Two time oscar winner, she has mastered the art of blurring the gender lines in the theatre. But there is no fooling when it comes to her awe inspiring beauty.  She has been known to be a muse for designers worldwide, who love her classic look.

These women have taken Hollywood by storm- inspiring designers who flock to their beauty- and changing the rules of the game in an arena ruled by men.  I look at these women and see inspiration- both for my own life, my wardrobe, and aspire to someday carry myself with as much sophistication as these trendsetters do.  Make magic girls!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

knitorious


This crazy California weather has me itching for my sweaters.  Stowed deep in the dark pit that is the storage area under my bed is my sweater box, containing all things cozy and warm, with the scent of dust and dirt that always reminds me of Holiday Season.  Must be the years of mud football that bring such a unique scent to jog my memory.

This Holiday Season is just like any other, and calls for your favorite knits for daytime or evening outfits.  Wrapping up in a cardigan for work, or sporting a chic and shiny black sweater for drinks with friends, knits this season are more popular than ever.

Designers, most notably Tommy Hilfiger, have jumped on the bandwagon and used knits in almost every aspect of their fall line.  Whether it is hats, scarves, sweaters, socks or cardigans, Tommy has you covered.

My advice: Ditch the trend and do what the weather is telling you to do- cozy up! The knit look is all about throwing pieces together that inspire warmth and comfort.  Don't be afraid to rock those cozy socks with a chunky sweater- the cozier the better!
[Tommy Hilfiger]
[Tommy Hilfiger: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2010]

[Tommy Hilfiger: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2010]

[Tommy Hilfiger: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2010]

Can't get enough Tommy? Catch the 2010 Fall/Winter Fashion Show here:

Thursday, October 14, 2010

everyone's gone mad!



[Betty, Peggy and Joan: Photo courtesy of amc.com]


AMC's Mad Men has taken the fashion world by storm, the first television series to do so since Sex and the City.  Tweeds, pencil skirts and skinny ties are coming back into the spotlight, inspiring designers such as Michael Kors and Thom Browne to incorporate these styles into their lines.


Rumors surfaced late last year that Jamie Bryant, the creative costume designer for Mad Men, will be designing her own line, inspired by the AMC hit show.  In her interview with Glamour, she couldn't confirm anything, saying "I'm working on some things right now...I hate to be so mysterious, but I can't really say! It would have my name attached to it though..."


[Joan Halloway, photo courtesy of Elle.com]
As hollywood stars continue to sport the Mad Men look, we can only hope that Bryant will be coming out with her own line soon.  Joan, Betty and Peggy, emulating the 1960s poster girls for home and office fashion, offer looks that incorporate both style and class, resembling a time in American history where presentation was everything.  Perfect hair, full skirts at home, professional tweeds at work.  Fashion was at its height during these times, and thanks to Mad Men, is making a comeback.


To build your own 60s inspired style, try to stick with basics.  Joan does it best, mixing separates of skirts and blouses for the workplace.  Her bold colors contribute to her "in charge" attitude, and showcases her assets.


[Betty Draper, photo courtesy of Elle.com]

Betty, on the other hand, is consistently trying to present a facade of perfection, focusing on the perfect hairstyle matched with the perfect full dress.  To achieve Betty's classic look, try to find dresses and skirts, long to the knees.  Her simple pallet of pale colors and patterns adds some flare to her style.




Mad Men has also influenced men's fashion nationwide.  Hat sales, specifically fedoras, have skyrocketed.  So pick up a Dobbs fedora for your man to add some dashing Draper style to his closet.


[Don Draper, Photo courtesy of amc.com]
[Betty Draper, Photo courtesy of thestylenotebook.com]
[Michael Kors, Photo Courtesy of Stylehog.com]



Wednesday, October 13, 2010

animal house

Feeling a little feisty? Maybe your instincts are telling you that animal print is IN. Yes, I said it.  Animal print is one of the latest fashion trends to hit the racks this fall, making for a wild look that is trendy and fun.  The inspiration behind the look is quite primal, thanks to our friends in the forest: leopard print, zebra stripes, and all kinds of croc and snake prints.

The best way to add this to your wardrobe is in accent pieces: gloves, scarves, belts, shoes, etc.  It also seems to parallel the current 'safari' trend, which focuses on beiges and tans, with a hint of cargo- adding lots of storage pockets to your outfit (I guess that means no need for a purse).

Fashion week in Milan capitalized on this new trend as designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana and Blumarine took animal prints to a new level on the runway.   My favorite style is the mix of animal prints with other prints: polka dots, floral, stripes- whatever kind of mood you are in!

On or off the runway, animal print is chic and fun, and can add a wild flare to your outfit- day or night. Don't be afraid to use this as an excuse to head to the nearest mall for a safari to find some cute animal print accessories!

[Roberto Cavalli: Milan Fashion Week 2010]


[Blumarine: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

[Dolce & Gabbana: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

[All images from Harpers Bazaar]

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

true romance





This weekend's screening of True Romance (we love you christian slater) got me going on an idea: patricia arquette's mastery of the color red. Red is one of those colors that, while Alabama flawlessly pulls it off on the silver screen, can sometimes be tricky to incorporate into your own style.

[Jean Paul Gaultier]


While some of you might find this 'riding hood' trend a little much, designers in Paris this week found it to be one of the best go-to-bolds for this season.

Whether it comes in a bold pair of kicks, or a great tagalong bag, this month's red hot color is taking designers by storm.  Go with either a true red, arquette-style, or opt for a more muted red, a favorite for autumn.


No matter how you wear it, you'll be sure to steal some glances in your own wardrobe with this go-to color.  But beware: you don't want to get caught looking like santa (we'll save that trend for december).

[valentino, paris fashion week 2010]

[mchevas photography]
[louis vuitton- paris fashion week 2010]

Thursday, October 7, 2010

think pink

We are officially one week into 2010's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Of course, one of the best ways to support the cause is to donate directly to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  However, if you're looking to shop in support, I've tracked down my favorite buys that will not only add a flare of pink to your wardrobe, but also donate a percentage of the proceeds to helping the cause.

Smashbox has been one of my favorite brands to wear, and I have been caught shamelessly trying on their lipsticks at any makeup counter in the local mall.  To show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they have released a pretty pink lip gloss, complete with limited-edition packaging (which I am sure you will keep forever and ever).  The best part is that ALL proceeds from buying the Limitless Long Wear Lipgloss now through October will go to the BCRF.

Bobbi Brown, the accredited makeup artist out of NYC, has created a Pink Ribbon Collection in honor of Breast Cancer awareness month.  The collection features this limited edition Pink Shimmer Brick compact, perfect for adding a sweet and soft pink glow to your cheeks.  The site also contains a link to donate $10 or more to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Hollywood stars, including Rachel Bilson and Angelina Jolie have been spotted supporting the cause in Tkees sandals.  These trendy shoes have become a staple of the trendy wardrobe, and are using their popularity to contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness month.  During October, Tkees will donate 15% of their sales of the popular Pink Lemonade flip-flops to benefit breast cancer research.


There are many ways to show your support this month, although you might feel like you're wearing pink-tinted sunglasses.  Do your part to help the campaign, and remember, a good cause is always trendy!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

do it for the cause

[http://sovo.com/?p=168]
The idea is simple.  You go green by recycling your clothes at a clothing swap house party, get new clothes for free, and donate some of the money you've saved on shopping to a local domestic violence shelter that needs assistance.

Swap for Good, a volunteer-run nonprofit is leading a campaign to encourage people to host clothing swaps as a way to raise money for local domestic violence shelters.  Funding for domestic violence shelters has plummeted due to the economy, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence says that in just one day alone, over 9,000 requests for help were turned down, largely due to a lack of funds.

Many people don't consider the environmental footprint their clothes leave.  The good news is that the water, dyes, energy, and pesticides (for cotton) that go into making new clothes are all reduced when you trade with a friend rather than buying something new.  As a part of this project, Swap for Good hopes to introduce more people to "freecycling"- which is better for the planet as well as your wallet.

Interested in getting some new clothes while raising some money for a local shelter? Check out swapforgood.org today and sign up to host a swap in your area- it is easy, and for a great cause!

falling for the weather

Falling into the weather? Time to take out all your favorite sweaters, cardis, jackets, and scarves, and wrap up in your coziest clothing.  But which ones do you bring out from the back of your closet, and which ones should you leave to the perils of unorganized boxes due for donation?  This fall, runway designers are all about the natural neutrals, everything from camel to olive.  Take these colors to work by matching them with charcoal or black, and make casual cute by adding denim to your style.  One thing that should definitely stay at the back of your closet are your bright colors- the natural colors look chicest when mixed with a sophisticated black pant, or worn with other neutrals.

[Christian Dior Fall 2010, courtesy of elle.com]

[Gucci Fall Selection 2010]

Saturday, October 2, 2010

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brands of choice

Anthropologie
This brand seems to keep a consistent "pretty" feel to all of their designs.  Their pieces are one of a kind, seeming to appreciate artfulness, innovation and design into not just their clothing, but their lifestyle pieces as well.  One of my favorite places to shop, Anthropologie has nailed a look that is attractive to every shape and size.

Gap
I had not been the biggest fan of Gap stores until this last spring, when I cashed in on a gift card.  I was delightfully surprised with their spring line, and happily spent my entire budget that day in the store.  Gap tends to have some awesome sale racks if you catch them at the right time, and provide a classic look that can be taken to work, or dressed up for a night on the town.

Urban Outfitters
UO contains an eclectic wardrobe of clothing and accessories, anything from chic to backwoods.  My favorite part is their store design, and how their lifestyle pieces are on display alongside the socks.  UO is a great place to hit up if you are looking for a unique style, and interested in finding a piece that you won't see on the street.  Trying to go easy on the wallet? UO is also a fantastic place to catch some great deals and sales.

J. Crew
J. Crew is one of my favorite places to shop.  After my stay in Washington, DC, I gained an entirely new appreciation for the classic polo look.  Collared shirts, sweet cardis, cozy scarves are all part of the look of a Georgetown student.  This is my go to store for a high class look, with a hint of student style.

my favorite sites

Here is a list of some of my favorite fashion sites:

HauteLook

The Green Life

Fashion Net

Elle

StyleList