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
In their Oscars fashion coverage, our colleagues over at Flypaper took note of one of the most interesting dress trends of the season–Dresses with Pockets!
We’re all over this trend too. It’s utilitarian And stylish–what more can a girl ask for? If you’re looking to incorporate this trend into your spring wardrobe, look no further for some stylish day dresses, pockets included!
March 6th, 2006
Sandra Oh in Nina Ricci.
Why it was a poor choice: Spades, anyone? With her pointy-toed shoes, red-and-white background and the harshly geometric lines of her dress, Sandra Oh looks like she belongs on the face of a queen of diamonds playing card.
Tess Smith in L.A. designer Sylvia Danese.
Why it was a poor choice: This dress is missing a lot of things, most notably a touch of class. Truly provocative dressing always leaves some room for the imagination.
Debra Messing in Elie Saab.
Why it was a poor choice:We think Debra Messing is one of the most naturally beautiful women in Hollywood. But a
brown curtain to the Emmys? Even Hollywood’s funniest darling can’t do justice to that.
Charlize Theron in Chanel.
Why it was a poor choice: Ugh.
Enough with the 1920s-themed outfits already! We’ve seen you pull it off already, it’s tired and overdone, and that beading adds another 20 pounds to your figure.
Paula Abdul in Kevan Hall.
Why it was a poor choice: Paula has made one fashion mistake after another. Quite frankly, we think she resembles a bit of an Elvis impersonator sans chest hair.
September 25th, 2005
Eva Longoria in Angel Sanchez.
Why it was a good choice: Dress color is crucial. Eva’s
coral gown was the perfect way to highlight her St. Tropez glow.
Halle Berry in Emanuel Ungaro.
Why it was a good choice: The gown’s regal hue is perfect for the occasion, and the strapless sweetheart neckline emphasizes her feminine shoulders.
Marcia Cross in Elie Saab.
Why it was a good choice: Emerald
brings out Marcia’s green eyes and auburn hair.
Jennifer Love Hewitt in Dolce & Gabbana.
Why it was a good choice: This classically flattering dress is predictably JLH, but if anyone can pull off dressing like a certain Hepburn, it’s her.
Mariska Hargitay in Carolina Herrera.
Why it was a good choice: Mariska looks ten years younger in a
sexy, vibrant orange gown and her hair down in sexy waves.
Star Jones in Marc Bouwer.
Why it was a good choice: Center ruching in velvet
works on Star — it accentuates curves in all the right places.
September 24th, 2005