Goodday Mate!

Sydney Fashion Week officially kicked off yesterday with brother and sister team, Camilla and Marc. I love Camilla and Mark fashion shows because their pieces are so easy to understand with items such as gold chain belts and ripped white jeans. I also loved their use of understated makeup and bedroom hair.

Two of the amazing looks from Camilla & Mark's new line

Tim Gunn! (cont.)

Alright so, Tim Gunn has come and gone from my life, but he definitely made a lasting impression. To everyone who is familiar with his work, I must tell you that he is everything you dream he would be...and more! Yes. He does really use big words. Yes. He is super hilarious. If you have the means, I highly recommend going to see him at a public appearance.

The Apparel, Merchandising, and Design Association (AMDA) at my college just had their annual fashion show, where Mr. Gunn came to be the keynote speaker. He talked about how he got to where he is today and the things he learned along the way. He was fascinating, inspiring, yada yada yada. My only disappointment?? He said "make it work" only once!

Tim Gunn!!

omigod omigod omigod!!! i get to see Tim Gunn tonight! He is like a God in my little fashion world!
more to come later...

Put on your visor; the sun's a shining!

The weather is finally getting warmer! That means, tis the season for my mother to start hassling me about whether or not my "precious little face" is being protected from the sun's harmful rays. Yes, I was the kid who always smelled of sunscreen at school and had to wear $5 visors at the beach, but no more I say! Since I can't apply sunscreen to my face without always getting some in my eyes I've learned to wear hats. Most of the girls I know always complain that they don't look good in hats, but wish they could wear them so I'm here to offer my advice.

For Oval Face Shapes:
Congratulations ladies! You have been genetically blessed to have a face shape that any hat works on. Be daring and try any of the seasons latest trends!

For Round Face Shapes:
Avoid hats with wide, floppy brims! It's best to choose a hat with a high brim and sharp angles, such as a bucket hat.

For Long, Narrow Face Shapes:
Hats with floppy brims work best on this face shape. A fedora or panama style would look amazing!

April Showers...

Bring May flowers! And while I love spring and flowers in bloom, constantly walking in the rain can be a drag. My pant legs get soaked and any shoe I wear seems to be the wrong choice. Go out in flip-flops and my toes freeze; moccasins and my feet are dyed an unnatural brown color; boots, and they soak through, again, freezing my toes. But lately I've noticed a trend that's not only super cute, but also super practical...rain boots! They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns so there's a pair out there to fit everyone's style. And (bonus!) they are ultra-affordable. They're sold in a vast amount of stores, such as Target and Old Navy, so you don't have to search too hard to find a pair you love!

Women's Tartan Rain Boot
Target
$24.99

Boho Chic

It's official! Spring has sprung! Time to break out the shorts, tank tops, and my favorite, the gladiator sandals!! One major trend to try this season is anything bohemian. Look for braided tops, distressed denim, feathered jewelry, leather gladiators and lots of bracelets. Keep colors earthy and semi-neutral on clothes, but don't be afraid to try brighter colors (especially turquoise) on jewelry. Long, flowy tops, tattered shorts, maxi dresses, and flowy mini dresses are essential. Check for these styles at stores like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Buckle.

"Fierce!"

Anyone who's watched Project Runway definitely fell in love with season 4 winner, Christian Siriano. Well good news for the fans of the sassy designer; he's designing a line of affordable (and adorable) shoes for Payless in Fall 2009. The line of shoes will be Egyptian inspired and feature spike heels reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids. Prices range from $25 to $45.

Monthly Bitch Session

Omg! Omg! Omg! February is just flying by and I just realized I hadn't bitched it out yet, so here it is...my monthly bitch session.
I'm not gonna lie, this one is absolutely on the petty side. I just need to get this off my chest...I HATE colored animal prints. I mean, like, totally gag me with a spoon! Animal prints are already very tricky for the amateur to work with and nothing, I mean NOTHING, screams "I'm tacky!" like a colored animal print. Someone please explain to me why, oh why, do you feel the need to buy a zebra print in hot pink??? Yuck! If you wanna jazz up your animal print use color on the side. For example, buy a zebra print bag with pink piping instead.
Please ladies I beg of you...keep animal prints in neutral colors!!

Instead of an "uggo" bag (left) get your splash of color on the side (right).

Oscars 2009 Red Carpet #1

So my t.v. is on the fritz and I don't get ABC so I've had to "watch" the Oscars off the internet! But I've tried my best to keep updated on the red carpet fashions of the night and the first trend I noticed was definitely the fishtail hems.
For those not in the know, a fishtail hem is an asymmetrical hem that is longest at the back of the skirt. This style is usually fitted around the hips and flares out from the knee to the hemline. Think Ariel à la The Little Mermaid.
One of my favorites was worn by Marissa Tomei. She wore a stunning ivory, asymmetrical shoulder fishtail hem by Versace and looked just absolutely radiant. Another fishtail hem on the red carpet was Beyonce's black and gold embellished dress. While I LOVED the cut on her, the gold rose blooms were just a bit too flashy and over-done.

Marissa Tomei & Beyonce sporting the fishtail hem at the 2009 Oscars

NY Fashion Week!!!

With all the school work I've had recently it's been hard to post, but I absolutely HAVE to take a break from studying to talk about Fashion Week!!!

Besides Christmas, this is the most wonderful time of the year! A full week of nothing, but absolutely fan-f**kin-tastic runway shows. The first show I'd like to address? Tracey Reese. Her collection included some artfulness, some boardroom-esque, some fur, and a lot of glam. One of my fave pieces was a vintage 1930s looking dress with a fur stole.

One of my many favorite looks from Tracy Reese's 2009 Spring collection

One of my to-die-for designers, Donna Karan, once again, did not disappoint. This spring her collection featured a lot of neutral, earthy tones and a lot of body-friendly draping. AKA it was GORGEOUS!

One of the many awe-inspiring looks from Donna Karan's collection

Obviously there are a million more designers to talk about, but it'll have to wait for another post! xoxo

New Line!!

This week has been crazy hectic so sorry for the delay in posts!! But get excited...from the people who brought you Forever 21, Heritage 1981 and Twelve by Twelve comes a new line...Shibuya Mon Amour. It's a line inspired by the looks of Tokyo and Paris and described as "girly, punk and fashion."

Cloche Cat Tee
$15.80
www.forever21.com

Michelle Obama: On Her Way to Becoming a Fashion Icon?

Now that I've had a day to mull over the new First Lady's fashion choices for Inauguration Day, I've made some decisions. The first look I want to talk about is her jacketed look by Isabel Toledo(right). I absolutely loved the color on her and, to me, it was clearly a Jackie O. inspired look. However, I also found it to be borderline matronly. In my opinion, the embellishments on the jacket were this outfits saving grace. They kept the look young, updated and fresh.


The next look, which I adored, was obviously her ball gown (left). Once again Mrs. O chose a look from an up and coming American designer, Jason Wu. Her choice of an asymmetrical shoulder was extremely fashion forward of her and a smart choice to highlight her killer arms! And who doesn't think the off-white color looked FABULOUS against her beautiful skin??

The last look(s) I loved were actually worn by Malia and Sasha at the swearing-in ceremony. Both girls wore looks from J.Crew's children line, Crewcuts. Malia opted for a blue coat and sash, while Sasha chose a pink coat and orange sash. Both looks were age-appropriate and the girls looked adorable.

Spring/Summer 2009 Trends

Alright ladies, here we go! Here are just a few of the trends for spring 2009 that I've noticed on the runway.

1. Fairy-tale/romantic- Styles inspired by designers such as Chanel (bottom) and Roberto Cavalli (top)
2. Jewel-encrusted tops
3. Fringe- All the rage in shoes, handbags, and especially, flapper-style dresses
4. See-through/sheer- Be careful how you wear this trend! Keep it classy ladies; NOT skanky! Take this outfit from Nina Ricci's collection as inspiration...not literal.

Let's Get Some Shoes!!

Tonight, at dinner with my ladies, the topic of shoes came up. "I can never find cute, cheap heels," one of my friends lamented. I'm here to tell you that cute, reasonably priced shoes are out there! A pair of fabulous, well made heels for under $20?? Sorry, probably not gonna happen. Feet are the most over-worked, under-appreciated parts of your body and you don't wanna mistreat them by throwing on a cheap piece of crap. But a few months ago I did find a pair of pewter gladiator heels by Steve Madden for $35 originally priced at $80! Where did I find such a deal??? T.J. Maxx! Normally I am a bit of a store snob and wouldn't be caught dead in my town's T.J. Maxx, but I've had an awakening. T.J. Maxx...you should go!!

More of my fave places to look for shoes include:

1. Famous Footwear- I normally always find something here
2. CutesyShoes.com- You might have to sift through some shitty shoes, but they have a huge selection so you will find something
3. Burlington Coat Factory- Some Burlington's don't have shoes, but most stores are adding a section
4. D.E.B- Some D.E.B stores have fabulous shoes, but like any other store, it can be very hit or miss
   

My fabulous shoe find!

Um, Okay

Here's Kate Bosworth at the Art of Elysium's 2nd Annual Heaven Gala in a black dress with a long train.

Hot or Not? What do you think??

Ok, here it is! My last winter-weather post of the week and its all about hats. I know when I'm walking to class, the first things to get cold are my ears! The turn bright red and feel like they're gonna fall off! One of my new favorite things to protect my ears are hats. Normally I hate wearing hats cause I feel like they make me look completely ridiculous, but in this sub-arctic weather, I don't care!

Last year I happened upon an adorable cream-colored knit beret-esque hat from Aldo and it is the perfect, practical accessory. Other cute hats from Aldo that I highly recommend are these three:

Offgana

$18.00
www.aldoshoes.comEdolo
$15.00
www.aldoshoes.comAzulka
$15.00
www.aldoshoes.com

Just getting in from trekking around in the FREEZING cold brings me to my next topic...scarves! I just got 4 new ones for Christmas and I couldn't be happier about now that temperatures are dropping to below zero. A scarf, like a necklace, is an easy way to make a statement and accessorize any outfit. Scarves don't have to be some ugly, bulky piece of crap. My personal faves are pashmina scarves, which are cashmere wool blends, and are the type of scarf that can also be worn in the spring with a t-shirt. Even though they are lighter, the still serve their purpose and keep your neck nice and toasty. Another type of scarf that I love are ones that are knit. They are obviously the bigger, warmer scarves. One knit by friend or family member is even better! It's one of a kind and it makes the scarf more personal.

Houndstooth Scarf
$8.99
www.shopstyle.com

Bundle up and stay warm!! ♥

Grab Your Coat!

With the day's chilly weather I've decided to dedicate this week's posts to winter wear! After writing about boots yesterday, the next topic would most definitely have to be coats! One issue that even I have fallen victim to would be wearing a black pea coat. Black pea coats are definitely classy, but why get lost among a sea of black? Stand out in a crowd and opt for a pea coat in a cute color like red or purple...even white spices things up! When looking for a good coat, steer away from anything overly puffy. The point is to look stream-lined and chic (while staying warm), NOT like the Michelin Man!

Venice Outer Coat

$39.80
Forever 21Maxine Pea Coat
$24.99
Forever 21
(available in red & navy)Ricci Fleece Coat
$22.80
Forever 21
(available in 6 colors!)

Obviously these are all from Forever 21, but seriously, can you beat those prices?? Some of my other favorite places to shop for coats are J.C. Penney's, Kohl's and Sears.

Apt. 9 Houndstooth Bomber Jacket
$69.00
Kohl's

Boots With the Fur

If you're anything like me, wearing a heel in the current snowy, icky weather just isn't an option. Slipping and falling is anything but glamorous! Everyone needs a good winter-weather boot that is stylish and functional and lets be honest, Uggs are a little played out. Instead of Uggs you can try any of these awesome boots found at Macy's.

White Mountain "Flair" Boot

$69.00
Macy'sAnne Klein iflex "Effie" Boot
$129.00
Macy'sSteve Madden "Tianna" Flat Boot
$89.00
Macy's

And if you're really in the mood to splurge I would definitely recommend a pair of boots from Tory Burch! (www.toryburch.com)

MY 7 fashion musts

Here's a list of (in my opinion) the 7 things every fashionista needs in her wardrobe:

1) LBD - they come in HUNDREDS of cuts and styles so there is one for every body; they can be dressed up or dressed down; accessorized thousands of different ways, not too mention blacks slimming effect

The LBD: always classic

2) Men's White Shirt - nobody did the men's shirt better than Audrey Hepburn, one of my fashion goddesses! Wear it tucked into a skirt or over leggings for instant glam and sex appeal. What's more alluring than a women in a man's shirt?
3) Pencil Skirt - a good pencil skirt is high-waisted, so it slims the tummy area, and it hugs the butt, giving it an instant lift. For extra sex appeal, find one with a daring slit up the back.
4) Cocktail Ring - a cocktail ring is instant glamour. They're over the top bling and they add eye appeal and dress up any outfit.


A good cocktail ring is over-the-top glamour




5) Black, White, Nude Heels - I definitely recommend heels in all three colors, but if you can have only one, definitely go with black! Any of these colors can be worn day or night and with practically any ensemble.

6) A Handbag - there are a bajillion handbags out there so everyone can find one they love! Look for one that has pockets on the inside for carrying all the necessities (cellphone, pen, keys, etc.)

The Hermes Birkin Bag, Louis Vuitton Speedy 30, Gucci Jackie O., and Chanel 2.55 are 4 of my dream bags!

7) An Animal Print - anyone who knows me knows my love of animal prints! They're bold, sexy and daring. The chic-up any outfit. A good animal print shoe or handbag would be the perfect accessory for your LBD!

How's the Weather Up There?

Recently I was reading from one of my favorite books, "How to Walk in High Heels" ($24.95, Hyperion Books), when something I read bothered me. It was a section about the perfect heels and it mentioned that if you're taller than your guy in heels, ditch the guy; not the shoes. I could not disagree more! To me, a guy having to be taller than his female counter-part is as passe as not being able to wear white after Labor Day.

Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise look fabulous!

And to guys who don't feel confident next to a taller woman; embrace it! What says 'pimp' more than a guy confident enough to roll into a party with a supermodel-tall woman? So I say it's definitely time to break the social norm. Women; break out those stilettos and guys; stop being so self-conscious!!

One-shoulder: Fashion must or must-not?

One-shoulder/asymmetrical is definitely back in style! But is it really a must or must-not. I'm sure guys don't understand the allure of a one-strapped dress and they are an honest-to-goodness nightmare to wear for those of us not daring enough to go bra-less, but I'm going to have to declare this a fashion.....MUST! They add instant edge to any outfit, they highlight the collarbone (which can never look fat ♥), and are just overall more visually stimulating.

My "why can't I be rich?" pick:Michael Kors Jersey Dress
Bergdorf Goodman
$1395.00

My "on a budget, but still fan-f*cking-tastic" pick:Studded one-shoulder dress
Forever 21
$22.80

Monthly Bitch Session

It is my personal belief that every month, you should have one...it's just healthy! No, no, not your period...a bitch session! A time where you can say whatever you feel on a topic, without repercussions. This month's topic? Women who dress too young for their age!

This summer, someone very close to me committed what I believe is one of fashion's 7 deadly sins; she dressed inappropriately for her age. Sure the dress she had on was adorable and very fashion forward, but it was so short I could see her thigh hugging Spanx underneath!Ladies, PUH-lease keep it appropriate length!

So, ladies, I beg of you, recognize and embrace your age! Don't try to fight it. Leave the micro-minis to the teenagers and keep it knee-length. While I admit Spanx are one the greatest inventions in the fashion world, we don't need to see them.

Belts, Belts, Belts!

Ok, so my new fave accessory is definitely the belt! In my opinion it is the most underrated accessory. The poor belt has had to take the back seat to shoes and handbags for far too long! The belt is no longer used to just hold your pants up, it can be used to cinch an over-sized cardigan or add some flair to your LBD (little black dress). Its the ultimate in form and function! Whether its an ultra-skinny belt or a huge corset belt, it will definitely get people noticing you! And its a great way to mask tummy flaws and define curves. What could be better than that??

Here are two of my personal faveswww.forever21.com
Studded double strap belt
$8.80


www.express.com
Center-station stretch belt
$44.50

Welcome!!

Hey everybody!

So I've decided to join the hundreds before me and dedicate this blog to...FASHION, duh! As a college girl in my twenties, fashion is everywhere! In today's fast-paced world, a person only has a split-second to make a good, lasting impression and what speaks more volumes about a person than their sense of style? But unless you're Victoria Beckham, most of us can't afford to be decked out in Chanel or sporting a pair of Christian Louboutin's from his winter line. That is why I thank the fashion gods everyday for stores like H&M, Forever 21, Express and Aldo!

So I hope everyone gets the inspiration and help they need from this blog to make the budget-friendly, but fashion-forward purchases they crave. Happy Shopping! ♥


"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." -Edna Woolman Chase