Archive for March, 2006
Five
years ago, could you have imagined that someone as cool as Mischa
Barton would be endorsing Keds shoes? I sure couldn’t. At best, the
shoe line was synonymous with your grandmother or worse yet, your
completely un-hip third cousin from Oregon.
What’s more, I
could have never imagined then, when Keds was still “un-cool,†that I
would one day consider purchasing them… for MYSELF. Yet now, every time
I see one of those advertisements with Mischa in her stylish short
skirts and vintage tees, I want to race to the mall (and I don’t know
to which store because I don’t even know where they sell Keds) to get
me a pair fast. And when I’m staring at one of the amusing slogans like
“Cool Is Knowing Who You are,†I don’t want to trap the shoes in my
closet like I would have 5 years ago. I want to sport them as soon as
possible so as to show the world that I’m on top of the ball.
If you’re still not convinced that Keds is “cool,†wait ’til you hear
which other famous designers have contributed to the 90-year old
business? BCBG Max Azria, the designer who makes très beautiful
frocks, has contributed to Keds with a funky zebra-like pattern, as has
Chilean fashion designer Zero Maria Cornejo with a lurex linen skimmer.
Of course, the concept of celebrity endorsements is nothing
new. Sarah Jessica Parker appeared in ads for Gap. Nicole Ritchie
showed up in Bongo ads with then-fiance DJ AM. Gwyneth Paltrow has been
the face of Estee Lauder Pleasures. And how can we forget those
powerful Versace ads with Mama Madonna sitting behind a clear desk with
platinum blonde hair?
Do you buy it–literally? Do
celebrity endorsers entice you to purchase that shoe or handbag? Or do
they have the opposite effect on you? How much does fit matter between
the celebrity endorser and the product? Do you now associate
Keds with cool?
Go on, speak up: Let us know your thoughts by posting a quick comment or voting on our handy-dandy poll.
March 13th, 2006
C is for Couture, C is for Candy, and C is for Charlotte.
It’s been two years since our favorite show Ever made its graceful exit, but its instructional style value has yet to fade. And so we present a Charlotte York-inspired outfit that is equally at home at a beach house in the Hamptons and at Tasti D-lite in the city.
At CoutureCandy, you can shop all the hottest designers
in one place. You can read the latest industry news, get the inside
scoop on the designers, and even keep up on (and purchase) what celebrities are wearing. You can share ideas and connect with other members of the CoutureCandy community via the exclusive "Couture Talk" Forum or get inspiring wardrobe advice from their "Personal Stylists."
March 10th, 2006
Issue XXXI of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a weekly compilation of the
cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this
week.
This
week, we’ve found a white hot top for ladies and a too-cool-for-school blazer for the gents.
For women:
This ultra-glamorous jaw-dropper is just the thing to get you noticed! The bright white is so current.
And for Men:
Howe Bobby Frock in black | $192 at Guyshop
What makes this jacket so cool? The fact that it’s part East Coast prep school, part hipster…
March 10th, 2006
In case you haven’t gotten your fill of birds…or would rather have them in button form 
And if you like pirates…or evil, designer Allison Cole has a set of buttons just for You!
$3 at Comics of Love.
March 10th, 2006
Luella Bartley’s limited edition run at Target is winding down to a close (sale ends on 3/11), but Target’s ready to roll with their next "Go International" designer: Canadian designer Tara Jarmon!
Tara Jarmon is known for "Smart and comfortable pieces, colored and sexy but never provocative, embellished with details such as embroidery, a bow, a flower; sober cuts, in sweet and silky materials : muslin, cotton, satin, velvet." Look for a sharp departure from Luella’s youthful (and clearly British) line.
Tara Jarmon apparel and accessories will hit Target in May.
Thanks to style scout "T" for her thoughtful email (and The Budget Fashionista) for the scoop!
March 9th, 2006
Stay chic but confortable with this simple combination.
Fashion formula = white blouse + denim skirt + capri tights + sneakers
Marc by Marc Jacobs 3/4 Sleeve Lawn Blouse | $168 at ShopBop
Otter Burn Bitchin Mini | $154 at Active Endeavors
Frenchi Footless Tights | $10 at Nordstrom
Champion Canvas Distressed in Natural | $39.99 at Keds
March 9th, 2006
Showing up to a birthday party in a tuxedo would be too over-the-top unless you’re going to Cipriani to celebrate Diddy’s 36th. If you happen to be a girl who likes the traditional tuxedo concept (black and white from head to toe), but not enough to rent an actual one, try this girly rendition below. You’ll maintain the classy color scheme of a tux while leaving behind some of its masculinity.
Deluxe Tux = White Tank + Chunky Chain Link Necklace + Black Skinny Pants + Leopard Pumps.
Ribbed Tank | $14.50 at Gap
Bronze/Gold Chain Link Necklace | $19.99 at Guess
Sateen Blake Jean | $39.99 at Ralph Lauren Polo
Stiletto Heel Pumps in Leopard | $59.99 at Sexy Shoes
March 9th, 2006
Need to dress up a pair of tired old pumps…fast?
Try a pair of shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey, an online boutique dedicated to turning the ordinary into the extraordinary with a little decoration. Pictured at left–the "Greneta," made from a pair of vintage earrings.
Problem solved!
$35 at Absolutely Audrey.
March 9th, 2006
Photo courtesy of BravoTV
After months and months of intense garment making challenges, the illustrious reality show has finally found its winner: Chloe Dao. The petite designer from Houston, Texas beat out larger-than-life designer Santino Rice and the fresh faced Daniel Vosovic to be America’s next top designer. This is good and all, but it was a bit anticlimactic.
A couple of weeks before the show’s finale, many people had the opportunity to check out pics of the Project Runway show at Olympus Fashion Week (check out my take on the show here.) I, like Michael Kors, was a bit underwhelmed. The most compelling “twist†to the show’s finale was that they had to make a 13th piece to add to their collection. Without a doubt, this added a ton of stress to the already burnt-out designers. But, they pulled it off, and all three of them showed collections that were decent, but not necessarily fashion-forward and interesting.
As for Chloe Dao winning, I halfheartedly agree. I would’ve felt the same had Santino or Daniel won. When all was said and done, the sleepless trio stood on the runway for the final judgment by Nina Garcia, Mr. Kors, Heidi Klum and actress Debra Messing (why she was there, I have no idea.) They had a lot to say (both good and bad) about the three designers, so I understand why the final choice hard for them. It was difficult because all three designers were at the same level, and there wasn’t anything THAT exciting about the collections. It was like trying to pick your favorite brand of toothpaste – they all do the same job, but choosing the perfect one is an annoyingly daunting task.
At the end, I totally agree with almost every single word the judges said. Chloe’s collection was thoughtful and cohesive. Her tailoring skills are unbelievably remarkable. Granted, I didn’t necessarily like the prints she chose, but out of the three, it did shine. That is, it didn’t shine too brightly, but it did stand out.
When it comes to Daniel, there wasn’t a clear “story†in his collection – and what was with those handbags? All of the garments seemed like separate pieces in the juniors department at Macy’s – however, he does have broad versatility.
Finally, there’s Santino. This show was his chance to make the most avant-garde garments – but he chose the "safe" sophisticated route. Given his personality and his previous designs, this just didn’t work. I wanted to see his creativity balloon to the point of excitement, but to my dismay, I was just nodding my head in agreement with the subtle beauty in his pieces.
I try to avoid comparing this season to last season because Chloe, Santino and Daniel each have a totally different voice from Kara, Jay and Wendy. With that said, I’m sad to say that I really didn’t care who won this season. I am happy for all three of the talented designers, and I admit that I was excited to see the outcome, but after the winner was announced, I immediately changed the channel…right to American Idol.
March 8th, 2006
Argyle Style as seen in Union Square, San Francisco
The urban/bohemian/deconstructed look that has been traipsing down city streets is on the verge of becoming obsolete (not to mention a bit boring.) As that fad begins to bow out, it seems as though fashion is about to take a drastic turn towards cleaner seams, lighter colors and country club looks that dwell in the Preppy Zone (just in time for spring, we might add).
In the forefront of these Ivy League looks are styles based on the classy sport of golf. Argyle prints are a must for this look and banded collar golf jackets are handsome with urban appeal. That said, here are some men’s fashions that stylishly update the golf look. All these pieces will keep you looking sporty without the hassle of actually having to tee off.
March 8th, 2006
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