Articles : Style

Celebrities Target Budget Conscious Buyers

2009-01-14T19:42:01-07:00

How to look good for less. Super star designer Alexander McQueen may soon become even more popular than he already is. Fashionistas, who have to keep a close eye on their budgets, can rejoice now that the top-rated fashion designer has agreed to create a new collection for Target. In a recent interview with news reporters, McQueen revealed his motivations behind teaming up with the budget-friendly retail store. According to McQueen, he wanted his work to be accessible to all women despite their budgets. McQ Alexander McQueen for Target will reportedly include runway designs modified for the average American. The pieces will top out in price at $130. That’s a far cry from his traditional designs, which typically cost in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Hollywood Beauties Turned Fashion Designers

2009-01-07T19:32:00-07:00

You love her on TV, but will you love her new line of purses? She is beloved on the TV hit “Heroes,” but now actress Hayden Panettiere is ready to spread her wings in the world of handbag design. The TV star, who is already Dooney & Bourke’s spokesmodel, has reportedly teamed up with the label’s designer Peter Dooney to create the perfect bag for Spring 2009. The bag will be named after the star herself. According to the actress’ rep, the “Hayden Clutch” will be crafted from Italian calfskin and fastened with a 24-carat gold plated lion head, inspired by her astrological sign the Leo. The blonde beauty says the lion’s head clasp is significant to the bag’s design as it represents all that she stands for. Panettiere says she opted to go with the lion’s head rather than place her name on the bag so as to not distract from the clutch itself. The actress reportedly designed the clutch’s shape and chose the colors as well. The new bag will come in a variety of shades including blue, red, black, white, brown, hot pink and purple. The Hayden Clutch, $295, will hit Dooney & Bourke stores nationwide in a few weeks.

Stars Put Their Best Foot Forward

2008-12-31T19:26:00-07:00

Find out what celebs are showing off their famous footwear. Celebrities have made their mark in the world of jewelry, fragrances and denim, so why not footwear as well? That’s the mindset behind rocker Fergie’s new two-part shoe line, “Fergie/Fergalicious”, which is set to debut in February 2009. The singer says the goal of her line is to make fashionable and comfortable shoes that women will love to wear. Fergie recently told reporters that both of her new collections have their own “subtle iconic ornamentation and details representing symbols that are important to me, and recognized by my fans.” In addition, the star says she is also making sure her lines are affordable to all her fans. The first, “Fergie”, line will retail between $89-$129 and the second, “Fergalicious”, line will retail between $49-$59. Another star going for the sole is “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano. The innovative designer just announced that he plans to lend his skills to a line for Payless Shoes. Siriano has reportedly inked a multi-season deal with the affordable footwear retailer to produce his first stand-alone line of shoes and handbags. “I’m so excited to design and create with such an amazing brand that is all about fashion and trend but, most importantly, is also about affordability,” Siriano declared in a press statement. “I can’t wait to see how [Payless] will take the high-end shoes and bags I’m designing for the runway and turn them into pieces that everyone can buy. I’m all about the runway and the sidewalks!”

Stars Show Off Their Bling

2008-12-24T19:18:00-07:00

Get ready to buy big bling from big names. Not only is actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler showing off her big bling, she’s also designing a version of her favorite jewelry so men and women everywhere can enjoy it as much as she does. Sigler’s new jewelry line dubbed CJ Free is being sold at Switch Boutique in Beverly Hills just in time for the gift-giving season. The gorgeous actress says she began designing her rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold collection last summer and now it is finally ready for sale. The line is named after Sigler’s friend’s 18-month old son and prices start at $60 for beaded bracelets for men and goes up to $3500 for diamond-studded pieces such as a rose-gold chunk pendant. Sigler says she prides herself on being able to customize pieces the way the customer wants. For example, the actress turned designer’s personalized collection includes various charms, stones, and beads that can be added to individual items. Despite being a celebrated actress, Sigler maintains that her foray into the accessory world is no vanity project saying: “This is not a celebrity line. If anything, my name comes last. I definitely have my creative input, but this is our project together. This is real.”

Inauguration Style

2008-12-17T14:22:00-07:00

What will the future first family be wearing on Inauguration night? It’s the million-dollar question: What will Michelle Obama wear when her husband makes his debut as President of the United States? Future First Lady Michelle Obama is reportedly having a difficult time picking between top fashion designers such as Narciso Rodriguez, Reem Acra, and Marc Bouwer for her inaugural dress. As we all know, January 20th is clearly President-elect Barack Obama’s big day. However, once the sunsets, all eyes will be placed squarely on his stylish wife Michelle. The beautiful women with the model-like figure is currently reviewing designs from celebrity seamstresses including Kai Milla — who has dressed stars from Oprah Winfrey to Petra Nemcova. “The designs are elegant yet provocative, demure yet flirty, and perpetually flattering,” Milla says. “Mrs. Obama has a style the modern woman can relate to, this timeless appeal, and I think that’s something a lot of women are attracted to. We all have families and kids, and we need pieces that are wearable.”

How to Make Bright Colors Work for You

2008-12-10T16:29:00-07:00

Learn why you should embrace the color purple. Color, color, color, that should be your fashion mantra for winter, according to the experts. But, how can you make this trend work for you? Here are some tips: Fashion experts insist that purple is the hottest color for Winter 2008. However, not everyone looks good in purple and not every shade of purple works for every person. If you have light skin and light hair, fashion experts recommend you stick with softer shades of purple. For fashionistas with darker hair or skin, go with deeper, richer purples. Experts say the jewel tones of deep purples bring out pink undertones of a woman’s complexion. Another tip: If you plan to go with a lighter shade of purple, don’t dress head to toe in it. Since lighter shades tend to look a little more summery it’s better to layer the lighter purple with other darker colors so you don’t end up looking like a lilac jellybean. Also, if you are wearing purple for the first time consider wearing it on the bottom and not so close to your face. Purple pants are not as outrageous as you might think when you pair them with neutral colored tops. People’s eyes naturally gravitate to a person’s face so if you want someone to notice that you are wearing purple then consider adding an eggplant colored scarf or a purple crystal necklace to your winter ensemble.

Go Bold This Winter

2008-12-03T23:22:00-07:00

Are ready for the latest fashion trends? Don’t be afraid to go bold this winter. Fashion editors say the season, known for its chilly temperatures, is about to heat up with vibrant ensembles for men and women. If you are unsure of how to inject a dose of brightness into the bleaker, colder months consider the following fashion tips: LESS IS MORE Don’t go overboard with this trend. A little color can go a long way. You want to make the trend work for you instead of against you. If you tend to shy away from bold colors, then start out slowly and buy a few pieces that you can wear with items you already have in your closet. For example, purchase a colorful bag and pair it with your muted winter coat, or you can take a bright colored top and wear it with your favorite pair of jeans. ALL ABOUT THE ACCESSORIES Fashion experts say purchasing a bold colored accessory is the easiest, most noncommittal (not to mention affordable) way to incorporate color into your wardrobe. Instead of getting rid of your black turtlenecks and gray knit dresses just add a bright accessory or two. This allows you to warm up to the trend without spending a fortune.

Winter 2008 Fashion Trends

2008-10-28T23:48:00-07:00

The five hottest winter fashion trends. Winter 2008 brings with it an array of fashion trends that’s sure to suit everyone’s taste from bold reds to classic tweeds. What’s more, designers have finally come up with a way to look fashionable while staying warm. Take a look: Trend No. 1: The Ski Look To look stylish (and stay warm) on and off the slopes pair wooly tights with thick sweaters and vests with faux fur trim. At night don a sweater dress and wedge boots with pom pom accents. Trend No. 2: Goth Winter 2008 features an update on the Goth look. Designers have modified the look to make it more moody and romantic look than scary. (Think Victorian meets rock ‘n’ roll rather than “Rocky Horror Picture Show.") An example would be pairing a solid black top with pretty feminine lace with edgy black booties. Trend No. 3: Old English This trend features warm tweeds that help protect you from winter’s bitter cold winds while still allowing you to look stylish. If you adopt the trend, fashion experts warn not to overdo it. You don’t want to look like you are attending an equestrian show. Tip: Pair a classic tweed jacket or cape with modern skinny jeans and boots with a small heel. Trend No. 4: Color Bold is back this winter and red is taking center stage. The color red ruled the runway this season with designers offering red looks for both evening and daytime. For a casual look invest in a red sweater made of soft wools or a red blouse made of flowing fabrics. You can also spruce up a drab winter wardrobe with a great red dress, coat or red pumps.

Winter Layering with Style

2008-10-27T23:55:00-07:00

How to layer your look without becoming a fashion don’t. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay warm in cold weather, and fortunately fashion experts say layering is also a hot trend right now--provided you do it the right way. If you plan to bundle up this winter consider taking note of these layering do’s and don’ts: LAYERING DO’S: DO add layers without adding bulk. DO layer clothing items that you previously deemed “unwearable” and have heaped on the floor of your closet such as skirts that seem too short and lightweight tops. Gather up the pieces and use them as a base for warmer items. DO incorporate different textures, such as velvet pants with a tweed vest and a cotton shirt. Your layers don’t have to be made from the same fabric. DO make sure your look is balanced. You don’t want ten layers on top and one on the bottom. DO layer with long sweaters. Fashion experts say the trick to carrying off this look is to pair your oversize pieces (such as longer sweaters) with smaller, sleeker items. For example, if you want to look runway ready wearing a big sweater, pair it with skinny jeans and tight, knee-length boots. DO invest in a long-sleeved dresses: The shirtdress is one of the most popular trends of the season and it lends itself to layering. You can pair your long-sleeved dress with a cropped jacket and sleek boots to look effortlessly chic.

Winter Fashion Trends: Jeans and Boots

2008-10-27T00:02:00-07:00

Give your wardrobe a kick in the pants with this winter fashion trend. One of the biggest trends this winter is paring jeans with boots. It may not sound new, but fashion experts say the look has gained in popularity thanks to the new shape of jeans and the influx of boots on the market. To make the look work for you fashion experts recommend giving your boot cut jeans a break and invest in skinny jeans, which can be tucked into boots. When shopping for skinny jeans experts recommend going for the darkest wash possible, as the color will make you appear skinnier. Also, never buy a pair of skinny jeans without trying them on first. There are dozens of brands on the market these days, but not all of them fit the same way. In regards to boots, the classic riding boot is the most popular. However, fashion experts warn that stuffing your jeans into the boot draws attention to your upper thigh. Therefore, this look is not ideal for someone with fuller thighs; rather it’s better suited for tall women with thin legs. If you plan to try out the trend remember to purchase a pair of jeans that don’t feature extra fabric at the knee or extra fabric above the boot.