clever alice

SPRING 2012: Maison Martin Margiela

2012-01-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite designers is Maison Martin Margiela and for Spring 2012 the collection is so detailed, so well constructed that it looks like art is back in fashion again. Something that can not be destroyed by Target or some other big box retailer trying to sell clothes by using a designers name but nothing more.
http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/en/index.php?tolink=about_mmm

HAIR TRENDS FOR 2012

2012-01-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

According to modernsalon.com

Fashion Statement - February 2012

Girls with curls rule the runway this season as stylists get serious about working with textured hair.
Models strut their stuff on Fashion Week runways across the globe every fall and spring, sporting trend-setting frocks and headturning hair styles.
Traditionally, these styles have revolved around straight strands—think sleek ponytails and shiny bobs. But as fashion evolves, so does the hair. Now, there are many manes of curls and variations in texture.

Brian and Sandra SmithBrian and Sandra Smith
Matrix artistic directors

This year is defined by minimalism and natural beauty. We see easy elegance for spring in polished ponytails, graceful braids and bouncy blowouts. Still, nothing is too perfect or impeccable—deconstructed waves and undone knots and twists prove having a bit of an edge is as chic as ever.

“You can see it in TV ads and most facets of popular culture: Natural hair is becoming the must-have style for many women. More and more women with texture are turning away from relaxers and extensions to prevent damage and breakage. Now there’s a different kind of shift underway—keeping your hair in its natural state and manipulating and refining texture with product, tools and techniques.”

TOKYO DESIGNER: Everlasting Sprout

2012-01-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

This Tokyo designer Everlasting Sprout's concept is simple. " Clothes are the canvas, material is the paint, and the designer creates with unbounded imagination. Let your mind and body enjoy the tone and texture of this unique collection. Express yourself and reach out; fashion is a culture."

I don't think it's ever been more well stated and their collection is inspiring and fun. After viewing this line and how well it's styled, you will not look at your wardrobe the same way again. New ways to layer and pull together outfits should be found. http://www.everlasting-sprout.com/index.html

Best Celebrity Styles at the Critics Choice Awards

2012-01-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

Stars Walk the Carpet at the Critics Choice Awards

Emma Stone

Great color choice for her and the fact that it is a print and not a boring solid color. Love the belted waist and detailed neckline.

Elle Fanning in Rodarte

Again, love that it is not a solid color and has yellow gold details. Love the neckline and sleeves.

Ahna O'Reilly in Honor

Cute dress but isn't it January? Looks like a summer dress. But again, great neckline and sleeves

Jessica Chastain in Balenciaga

Beautiful but again, makes me wonder what season we are in.?

Stacy Keibler and George Clooney in Armani

They look like they're going to their own wedding

Kristen Dunst in Dior

Love this dress, black, but textured and detailed.

Elizabeth Olsen in Emillio Pucci

Sunny yellow dress with long sleeves and sweetheart neckline. Beautiful details. Very California!

Michelle Williams in Chanel

Love the belted waist and two tiered length dress. Looks layered without much volume

Diane Kruger in Prada

Too early for spring or not?

Chole Moretz in Chanel

Love this dress! You can not miss in a short black dress with details and short sleeves

Charlize Theron in Azzadine Alaia Couture

I have never seen her in a bad dress. I think she can wear anything and make it work.

Love the hair and back v dress.

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Tulip dress and belted at the waist with a v neckline in black is something everyone should own. Great dress

Busy Phillips in Antonio Berardi

The color of 2012!

Tilda Swinton in Yves Saint Laurent

Chic, Chic, and Chic

New Year's Eve Show-stopping looks!

2011-12-27T12:47:00.000-08:00

With the new year approaching it is that time of year to be thinking about fresh starts and resolutions, but also it's your last chance to make your mark on 2011! Here are some great show-stopping outfits that will make you stand out at any New Year's Party and start 2012 in a super stylish way!

Casting Advantage Dress

With the bold colors and pattern, this cute sweater dress will be a conversation starter!

Casting Joy dress in Black

Casting Joy dress in Gold

Add some sparkle to the party with this super flattering faux wrap style dress with metallic glitter fabric!

Casting Cavalli Dress

Lastly show your wild side with this purrr-ty draped wrap dress in a leopard print!

Don't be afraid to go all out! This is your last chance to strut your stuff in 2011! All styles are available at Clever Alice.

Holiday sale continues through the end of the year with all clothing marked 20-50% off!

Visit our website at: www.cleveralice.com

Color Trend Report Spring 2012

2011-12-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

The new color palate that will be springing up this spring season will be sure to put a pep in your step! The colors that are trending have a bright vibrant fresh vibe to them and are popping up on statement pieces all over the runways!

Tangerine, Marigold, Lilac, Fuchsia, Royal Navy Blue, Aquamarine, Mint

These colors are used as statement pieces mixed with a lot of neutrals such as taupe, grey, cream and black

Check out these designers and their color inspirations for their Spring 2012 collections

Rebecca Minkoff

inspiration:

Nature and the tones and shades of the desert — the different colors of the day, sunrise and sunset over a dry warm landscape

prominent colors:

Aloe Green, Soft Jade, Hot Blush, Neon Sun, Wet Sand, Faded Black, Washed Out Pink and Indigo Blue

signature color:

Jade and Hot Blush tones — I like tones of one color, the spectrum of a Bright Green into a soft fading Jade, a Bright Neon Pink into a Soft Blush tone — the Jade and Blush also feel like fragile vintage colors and it is interesting to place these into modern shapes

Ella Moss

inspiration:

70s romance, flea market treasures and long lazy road trips

prominent colors:

Clean saturated brights mixed back to faded neutral tones: Crisp Lemon Zest Yellow paired with Cool Pavement Gray, Liquid Caribbean Green mixed with Light Oatmeal, and Deep Lipstick Red with Dusty Chambray Blue

signature color:

Crystal Clear Caribbean Green — this feels fresh and new for spring and pairs well back to the palette of bright colors and muted tones

Rachel Roy

inspiration:

Colonial Vietnam; the movie The Lover was a strong reference point — a romantic, innocent, refined woman who explores and breaks tradition by diving into a complex, dynamic and modern world — that's the story I feel every woman can identify with!

prominent colors:

I wanted a feeling of old world, transparent, light and refined simplicity in neutral pastels such as cooled down lush, bright tones: Blue, Copper, Zinnia and Zest

signature color:

Aquamarine and Glass Greens dominate the collection this season

Charlotte Ronson

inspiration:

The evocative '20s, the demure detailing of the Victorian era, combined with the patch workings of denim taken from the restless grunge decade

prominent colors:

Kentucky Blue, Gardenia Ivory, Orange Rust and Tannin

signature color:

Chambray Blue — we focus on denim treated in a new way — we color block, patchwork, bleach bandana motifs on chambray and use an array of denim hues to create a water-colored plaid print

Check out new Spring looks popping up soon on the racks of Clever Alice inspired by the cool, natural colors!

Lanston Boyfriend Sweatshirt in Patriot

Lanston Princess Seam Top in Praline

Left on Houston Tycoon in Copperflake

Left on Houston Canyon in Denim

Visit our website for last minute winter apparel and coming soon new spring 2012 styles!

www.cleveralice.com

Best and Worst 2011 Fashion and Hair Trends

2011-12-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

The best of 2011 seemed to have a common theme. If you had long wavy locks with the updated bang, a strapless dress that was hourglass in nude and a statement necklace, you got it! Here are a few of our favorites.

Long curly wavy, bangs, strapless, light and shimmery,4 stars

Statement necklace and strapless with smokey eyes and nude lips

Hourglass, colorblocked dress

wavy hair with hourglass, colorblocked dress

Classic for 2011, wavy locks, nude strapless dress, statement necklace

Long wavy locks, and light shimmmery dress

wavy locks, strapless dress

Has it all, bangs, nude and shimmery, cuff and matching clutch

Could 2011 have been the most boring year in fashion?

Now for the worst of 2011. Things that I thought were done just kept re-appearing. The jumpsuit, pink hair, harem pants, white "but it's not your wedding" dresses, and the mermaid

Pink Hair

Mermaid

One piece pant suits

ill fitting wedding dress with white foundation

Ballet flate and harem pants

Prom dress

Let's hope 2012 brings us some joy

Eye makeup trends for Spring 2012

2011-12-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

Eye makeup trends for Spring 2012 from fashion mag.

Clever Alice Boutique Interview Chicago | CitySolesTV - Episode #54

2011-11-29T16:09:00.000-08:00

Best Handbag Company under $600 - Botkier

2011-11-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

Botkier was born in 2003 and grew organically as she had developed an absolute love affair with hand bags that bordered on an obsession…"I guess one can see now that this natural gravitation to all things leather but purses in particular was actually in the blood."
The Holiday Resort season always comes as a bright spot as Fall comes to an end and winter sets in. We start dreaming about a fabulous getaway somewhere chic and HOT! This season for the holidays Botkier has introduced bright statement bags that will accessorize any trip and remind you that winter will eventually give way to warmer weather

Botkier Caryle Satchel

Botkier Leela Satchel

Find and shop Botkier at Clever Alice

Go to Botkier for more info

Brigitte Bardot ready to wear line to launch in January 2012

2011-11-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Brigitte Bardot who said "Fame brought me so much unhappiness." has for the first time at 77 years old , signed a deal with Ternay company and other investors to use her name and likeness for a fashion line. Over 200 styles inspired by the actress including gingham dresses, retro swimwear, and crocheted shorts will be sold at Printemps in Paris and other stores internationally. Prices will range from 100 to 400 euros.
The collection was designed by a team of 15 with great respect for every part of the icons style. Great reason to buy a ticket to Paris for a little shopping in 2012 or perhaps we will see the collection Stateside too.

Check out cleveralice.com for Brigitte Bardot inspired pieces coming soon.

Hot Holiday Trend: Stripes!

2011-11-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Prints and patterns have always been a focal point in the fashion scene. The hottest graphic print of season is stripes! Stripes are especially being utilized on dresses and tops at the moment. Wide, skinny, horizontal, vertical, zig-zag, or scattered, linear is the way to go for the holiday season and beyond!

Wide color blocking stripes in the Casting Insolence Tunic
Shop this look!

Horizontal colorful stripes on this warm chunky sweater from Casting
Shop this look!

Zig-Zag design on this cute all year round dress!
Shop this look!

Skinny stripes on a caftan silhouette on the Casting Anver Dress
Shop this look!

Varying widths is a super flattering look on the Casting Cappuccino Tunic
Shop this look!

Wiggly stripes paired with black on the sleeves and hem make the Casting Alex top and super easy separate to tie into your wardrobe!
Shop this look!

Visit www.cleveralice.com to shop all of these trendy styles and to view the entire Holiday collection!

Lola and Sophie Winter Must- Haves

2011-11-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

Lola and Sophie Winter Must-Haves !

Lola and Sophie one shoulder with lace

Lola and Sophie lace boatneck top

Lola and Sophie Assym dress

Lola and Sophie oversized tee

Lola and Sophie ruched lace dress

American Music Awards Runway Looks Shimmer

2011-11-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

The 2011 American Music Awards were filled with shimmer and shine this year. With pink hair on Katy Perry and Nicki to faux "baby bump" rumors on Christina, Kelly and Katy, it was harder to stand out. We found these stars were able to have more style then the "over the top looks" from a few Diva's.

Diva #1 Christina with "baby bump" rumors

Diva #2 Kelly Clarkson

Diva #3 Nicki

Diva #4 with all pink and "baby bump" rumors flying

Now for our favorites

Jennifer

Get the look of Jennifer's shiny cowl neckline from Casting Boa tank. Also comes in the Star tank solid copper and black

Taylor Swift

Casting Joy gold glitter fabric stretch dress with faux wrap. Also in black

Julie Bowen

Casting Insolence mini dress/tunic

Mary J

Casting Cavali faux wrap dress in snake. Also in animal

The Casting line is made in France. View the collection of dresses, tops, and tunics at Clever Alice

Best Croissant in Chicago found at Floriole Cafe and Bakery

2011-11-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Traditional croissant

I visited the Floriole Bakery at 1220 W. Webster in Lincoln Park because the owners Sandra and Mathieu Holl were kind enough to allow a class of 5 year old kids into the bakery to learn the art of bread making. This incredibly beautiful cafe and bakery patiently had staff members let the kids get their hands sticky while pounding dough into the perfect loaf of bread. After the "field trip" we picked up a few croissants and their smoked turkey sandwich with cranberry mostrada and lettuce on sourdough bread. Never excepting to taste a great croissant outside of France I was blown away. "Wow" a REAL croissant, I can not believe it. For the first time in Chicago someone has gotten it right. The turkey sandwich was also delicious and the multi grain bread was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. 5 stars for the owners and this little French paradise in Chicago.

Sandra Holl was trained in San Francisco at the California Culinary Academy and worked as a baker at the renowned Tartine Bakery. She has contributed at Bon Appetit, and been featured on StarChefs.com, and was nominated for Best Chef by TimeOut Chicago.

Mathieu Holl, born and raised in Paris, grew up with a great appreciation and love for food and pastries. Although Mathieu is not a trained chef he has an amazing palate and the ability to critique even the most perfect pastry. As Sandra says, “He makes me a better baker. . . even if it makes me crazy sometimes”.

Smoked turkey on sourdough

great job kids

First Fur ban in the United States

2011-11-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

West Hollywood is putting animal rights ahead of fashion by a vote to approve a first-in-the-nation ban of fur clothing.
"We made history. we're the first place in the world, I believe, certainly the country, to take that step on banning fur." said Ed Buck, an organizer of the local group Fur Free Weho.

Almost half of 200 apparel stores in West Hollywood sell at least some fur items with revenues estimated at 2 million.
Ironically, furniture is fine. The ordinance cites no clothing can be made from fox, mink, rabbit, bear, seal, or chinchilla. Leather goods are fine and sheared wool is not affected. \
The effective date is September 21, 2013.

Although Lagerfeld said he doesn't personally wear fur, he told the Telegraph:

"In a meat-eating world, wearing leather for shoes and clothes and even handbags, the discussion of fur is childish."

Sarah Jessica Parker in Melbourne

2011-11-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Sarah Jessica Parker wearing 3 amazing looks in Melbourne. Check out Grazia.fr for more scoops.

Attending the HRV Oak Club Ladies Luncheon in Melbourne. Wearing a tweed Chanel Couture and hat creation by Philip Treacy.

Wearing Antonio Berdardi metallic silver coat and Jonathan Saunders pretty pink dress.

Wearing dress by Prabal Gurung

Boot Season Begins with Anouk Boots!

2011-11-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

With the fall season upon us, many people are searching for the perfect boot. An ideal style that would be able to be worn with jeans, dresses, and leggings, last through many seasons and have that special something that makes them unique. Anouk boots are the perfect solution to the “perfect” boot dilemma. Anouk Krueger, a former documentary filmmaker turned designer hails from Malibu and has created a line of foot wear for every occasion. She blends her love of the horse culture with the cool laid back vibe of Southern California. Each style has the essence of the classic equestrian boot mixed with unique detailing and quality construction that have become an instant classic. Anouk boots offer a variety of styles, ankle boots, stacked heels, over the knee and classic knee high. With a variety of styles there is surely a style for everyone!

Anouk Calamity Knee High Boot

Anouk Nadine Over the Knee Boot

Anouk Neda Ankle Boot

Anouk Paloma Mid Rise Boot

All styles can be found at Clever Alice. More styles coming soon!

www.cleveralice.com

Chic mom solution: Keeping your style during breastfeeding.

2011-10-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Chic mom solution; Keeping your style during breastfeeding

Egerie Dress with deep v neck, add a tank under the dress in black

I was reminded the other day when a girlfriend came by the store with her newborn how difficult it can be to feel like yourself again after having a baby. We all want to put our normal clothes on again. When I was breastfeeding I had to rethink my wardrobe options and choose items that could be a discreet cover up while still looking chic. I traveled, worked, had dinner with friends all while feeding my little one. I learned that my favorite items were the ones I could hand wash, drape over my baby, easy to maneuver, and I felt great in. Here are some current pieces at Clever Alice that would work well for any new mom's wardrobe.

Krisa field jacket

Krisa commando jacket

Krisa coated jacket

Krisa poncho

Lanston cardigan

Lanston cowl neck

Left on Houston

There is also a line of great tunics and dresses by Casting Paris have elastic necklines that allow you to wear the tunic with a bra but will be flexible. And remember to invest in pieces that you will enjoy wearing after breastfeeding as well. Visit our shopping site at Clever Alice

10 fashion styles that changed womens lives

2011-10-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Only in the last 100 years and less have we really changed the way we dress. As women's rights changed, so did our wardrobes. I quick look at the most influential pieces.

The support bra, 1930's

The mini skirt, 1960's

The Wrap dress, 1972

The classic jean for women 1940

The fashionable pant 1970's

The cotton panties , 1946

The tote bag, 1950's

The fashionable trench for women, 1960's

The stilettos, 1960's

As we move forward into the next 100 years, we are inspired by the classics of the past and enjoy all we have to wear now. Here are some of Clever Alice's favorite styles for 2011 and beyond.

Anouk Boots

Coated cotton black jacket by Krisa

Cotton sweater cardigan by Left on Houston

Black leather weave tote by Motif

Zig zag print mini dress by Casting

Wide leg velvet cords by Bella Dahl

Holiday Hair Trends

2011-10-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Holiday Hair Trends, Big loose waves swept to the side

Pulled back and tied low on the neck, part on the side

Tomboy look for fine and small framed face

Pulled back away from the face and gelled for a wet look

Tapered fringe cut thick and straight

The sleek and clean ponytail parted on the side

The traditional braid parted on the side for a Bohemain spirit

The dancer style shows off the sensual neck

Max volume from the days of Dallas

Check our website for Holiday dress trends. http://www.cleveralice.com/

Milk Made Clothes

2011-10-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Fashion designer makes clothes from milk. German fashion designer makes clothes from milk. A young fashion designer from the German city of Hanover is revolutionizing high fashion by designing clothes with a staple she can find in her fridge -- milk.

Anke Domaske, 28, has developed a fabric called QMilch made from high concentrations of the milk protein casein -- the first man-made fiber produced entirely without chemicals."It feels like silk and it doesn't smell -- you can wash it just like anything else," Domaske told Reuters.

Made from all natural materials, the QMilch fabric is ecological but also has many health benefits, said Domaske, who also said the amino acids in the protein are antibacterial, anti-aging and can help regulate both blood circulation and body temperature. clothes from milk, QMilch, define casein, Anke Domaske, QMilch feels like silk, QMilch doesn't smell, "clothes from milk" wash normally, milk fabric developed 1930s, milk fabric made entirely without chemicals, QMilch 6 liters milk dress $199, Mademoiselle Chi Chi, Mischa Barton, Ashlee Simpson,

Domaske's fashion label Mademoiselle Chi Chi -- a favorite among the likes of Mischa Barton and Ashlee Simpson -- has now started weaving the milk fiber into its collection.

Currently the MCC clothes -- which feature flowing wrap dresses with edgy cuts and bright patterns -- are made from a combination of various fibers, including QMilch. But Domaske plans to design a collection made entirely from the milk fiber. Read more at
http://pixmag.blogspot.com/2011/10/fashion-designer-makes-clothes-from.html

20 Best Designers of Paris Fashion Week for Spring 2012

2011-10-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Beauty of Alexander McQueen

The Architecture of Balenciaga

The Novelty of Balmain

The essence of Cacharel

The youth of Carven

The structure of Celine

The scales of Chanel

Chloe

The impressions of Dries Van Noten

Flakes of Givenchy

The construction of Haider Ackerman

The maxi mesh at Isabel Marant

The electric color at Jean-Paul Gaultier

The Angel at Lanvin

The doll at Louis Vuitton

The flow of Nina Ricci

The fifties at Rochas

The sun of Sonia Rykiel

The voyage of Hermes

The innocence of Valentino

Best of Paris Fashion Week for Spring 2012 from Grazia.fr. Follow Clever Allice's blog and visit our site at http://www.cleveralice.com/

Creative Halloween Costumes

2011-10-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Martha loves Halloween. And that sentiment is reflected in the many costumes our editors have created throughout the years. From ghoulish to sweet, here are some of our favorites.

Become a haunting young ghost with a veil made of white face paint, a bouquet of silk flowers, wedding dress made from lengths of tulle.
http://www.marthastewart.com/275248/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-adults/@center/276965/halloween#/189282

In this Madame Butterfly costume, you'll have a flurry of winged beauties at your beck and call. Hair combs and thin wire anchor the brightly colored butterflies to hair; additional insects can alight on your hands and arms via lengths of coiled seam binding.

http://www.marthastewart.com/270514/madame-butterfly-costume

Ghostly Equestrienne Costume

Recreate Martha's haunting equestrienne look with dramatic makeup, a taffeta cape, and a top hat veiled with black netting, gray ribbon, and an ostrich feather.

http://www.marthastewart.com/275248/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-adults/@center/276965/halloween#/193965

Spider Shades

You needn't be disguised from head to toe: one mischievous piece is enough to get you in the spirit of the evening. Try a making creepy, crawling sunglasses with our spider template and black pipe cleaners

http://www.marthastewart.com/275248/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-adults/@center/276965/halloween#/195291

Glampire

Martha's dramatic costume has a black silk cape and satin gloves to complement her pale face, dark eye makeup, and -- fittingly -- blood-red lips.
http://www.marthastewart.com/275248/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-adults/@center/276965/halloween#/270474

Bird's Nest

Invite a creepy bird to make its nest on your head and lay a few mysterious eggs. To create the nest, use a hot-glue gun to affix Spanish moss, found in crafts stores, to a cotton skullcap. Next, arrange feathers in the moss, using hot glue to secure them as necessary. Then glue on some miniature plastic quail eggs. To attach the bird, first place the hat on your head, and balance the bird on top (you may need to remove its legs for proper fit). When you're happy with the arrangement, carefully remove the hat and secure

http://www.marthastewart.com/275248/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-adults/@center/276965/halloween#/198279

Feather and Felt Raven

A bib, a bustle, a beak, and thou: This plumed raven is poised to swoop all night.
http://www.marthastewart.com/275248/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-adults/@center/276965/halloween#/272007

Leg Crawlers

Vermin-clad legs are all the rage. Affix rubber cockroaches with eyelash glue or peel-off skin adhesive squares. To remove, follow the package directions
http://www.marthastewart.com/275248/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-adults/@center/276965/halloween#/211748

Medusa

Create squirming braids reminiscent of the mythological reptilian-haired woman
http://www.marthastewart.com/275248/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-adults/@center/276965/halloween#/271526

Creative Halloween Costumes from Martha Stewart! Check out these easy, super haunting and cute ideas.

Stars and their Apples

2011-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Many tributes will no doubt be made for the passing of the visionary, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. A look at some of his biggest fans from Grazia.fr

Katie Holmes

Emma Roberts

Blake Lively

Nicky Hilton

Renee Zellweger