Not Just a Lovely Face

What to Wear to a Formal Event in 2012

2012-10-13T00:08:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I attended a formal wedding. And like any girl I faced a dilema. What to wear? I chose a simple black dress, and blinged myself out with a killer necklace and corresponding bracelet. Accessories can make a whole outfit. If you find a stellar statement glitzy show-stopper I recommend pairing it with a simple, form flattering dress. A busy dress with lots of sparkle or pattern AND a crazy piece of jewelry could be too much. Here was my solution:

Necklace by Badgley Mischka. Check them out http://www.badgleymischka.com/jewelry/. Or shop for some of their awesome statement jewelry on one of my favorite web sites (Charm & Chain) http://www.charmandchain.com/designers/a-z-designers/badgley-mischka.

Don't take my word for it, Heidi Klum, Jessica Biel, Selma Hayak, Nicole Kidmond, Reese Witherspoon, Gwenyth Paltrow, Natalie Portman.... etc., etc,. Here's How the Celebs have done it on the red carpet in 2012:

Here are a couple of fab statement pieces that are currently available:

This great baroque inspired piece by Lanvin can be found at Nordstrom.com

Here is a super fun neck by Kate Spade for $298. Find it at Neiman Marcus. http://www.neimanmarcus.com/search.jsp?Ntt=kate+spade&_requestid=50459&N=4294966834

This last one is sure is fun! Dress it up or down. By Allen Schwartz and sold at Saks Fifth Avenue.

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/Jewelry-and-Accessories/Jewelry/Necklaces-and-Enhancers/shop/_/N-52flr2/Ne-6lvnb5?SECSLOT=LN-Necklaces+%26+Enhancers

Project Runway, Season 10

2012-10-10T21:56:00.000-04:00

I have decided after a long break from blogging, that it is time to begin again. Apparently people have been reading my blog, and I never knew it! So how to begin again?

I'll ease back into fashion blogging by talking about the current season of Project Runway! The show is in it's 10th season. And weather you believe it epitomizes real fashion or is merely a "reality" show entertainment... It is 10 seasons in and going strong.

I used to follow this show religiously. Especially while I was in fashion school. The past few years I took a breather from the show (mainly because I know longer invest in cable television). A close friend of mine tried out to be a model for season 10, and guess what?! She made it, and has gone pretty far in the competition with the designer she was paired with. So of course, I had to get back into it again. And I must admit, I LOVE Tim Gunn as much as ever.

As a New Yorker, I particularly loved seeing Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn with the Rockets! The winning look for the costume challenge showcased the dreamy city in a beautiful way.

Last weeks episode determined which 4 designers would be invited to participate in showing a collection on New York's runway during fashion week. In the past I have always had SOME idea of who the winner may be... but all 4 designers are very different and I honestly have no clear prediction!

So if you are a crazy new yorker type living in the hipster era with no TV (like me... sigh), Project Runway Season 10 can be viewed on Hulu.com for free! The only hitch is you have to wait until the next day to watch. You can also watch episodes on http://www.mylifetime.com where you can also get more info on the designers and the show.

What do you think will happen?

Striped Coincidence

2010-06-10T22:13:00.000-04:00

I work in the fashion industry, and yesterday so many people wore vertical striped shirts in my office that I just had to mention it here.

Wearing vertical stripes in my office yesterday:

-2 designers
-1 sales associate
-1 production assistant
-1 sample maker
-2 interns

Since all the people behind the scenes in fashion seem to be in agreement (that virticle stripes are hot hot hot) I figured they deserved mention.

All of the stripes were either a dark navy blue mixed with white or a shade of purple with white.

A few great ways stripes were worn yesterday:

- 3 quarter length sleeves with jeans
- collared button down with pink suspenders and jeans
- with shorts and boots, plus a khaki blazer on top

Buy your own super cute striped shirt at Polyvore.com: http://www.polyvore.com/rvca_zoey_stripe_womens_tee/thing?id=13139745

Florals

2010-06-07T21:29:00.002-04:00

I am loving this summer's floral prints!

Harper's Bizarre shows off this fantastic floral dress by Tory Burch for $465.00 (and belt for $150.00) in their article:

20 TOP TRENDS FOR 2010

Harper's Top 20

This tank top is super cute from Urban Outfitters for only $28.00

Check it Out

This dress by Juicy Couture is adorable! It can be found at bloomingdale's for $298.00

Check it Out

These shoes are beyond fun! Picture wearing these to the local garden party. Actually, just throw the local garden party yourself for an excuse to show off these fabulous shoes by Guess. Buy them for $89.00 at shoes.com.

shoes.com

This precious skirt is currently on sale at American Eagle for only 19.95! Buy it online at http://www.ae.com/.

Hipsters

2010-06-02T23:39:00.003-04:00

I moved to New York City about 4 years ago. And ever since I moved here the word "hipster" has come up in conversation over and over and over again. Flat Rate movers had subway ads that poked fun at "hipsters", Youtube features funny sketches like the hipster olympics (check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAO4EVMlpwM). All this time, I kept asking repeatedly "what is a hipster? And despite the many conversations about hipsterdom, i still don't get it completely get it.

Here's what I've gathered from the stereotypes: A hipster wears way too tight jeans (be it a guy or lady), converse shoes, trucker hats, big vintage glasses, and tight flannel shirts. They tend to have vinyl record collections, sport sleeve tattoos, listen to indie bands and party hard. Guys tend to have some form of facial hair. Hipster's "reject" popular cultural things like fashion, TV, celebrity gossip, etc.

Why hipster's get such a bad rep: 1) The idea that they are "rejecting" popular culture and conformity is a little backwards considering the popularity in hispterism itself. 2) All hipsters seem to deny that they are a hipster.

#2 is interesting... based on what my friends and coworkers claim defines a hipster.... many of them seem to be hipsters themselves. However none of them admit to being hipster, and may even possibly take offense to the label.

Some people believe hipsterism is dying. Other's believe it is the up-and-coming counter-culture turns mainstream story that our country has seen repeatedly over the last century. The beatniks of the 40's were ostracized only to become mainstream in the 50's. The hippies of the 60's were shunned, but an overwhelming cultural force by the 70's. In the 80's the punks were the outcasts of society, and by the 90's mall stores were dedicated toward their mainstream style. Are hipsters the next chapter in this repeating pattern? Shunned today only to be the majority tomorrow? Who knows! Frankly, I'm still trying to figure out just what makes a "hipster".

Time Out New York totally bashed hipsters! Check out their article, it's totally from a hater's perspective but gives quite a detailed analysis of hipsterism:

http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/features/4840/why-the-hipster-must-die

Gnovis Journal is a blog dedicated to understanding and or participating the hipster counter-culture: http://gnovisjournal.org/blog/what-we-can-learn-learning-about-hipsters

Wall Decals

2010-06-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am always looking for ways to update my apartment. I was looking on Etsy.com for creative home decor ideas, and came across these awesome wall decals! I think this is a fantastic idea for anyone who wants to add a special touch to their walls. It is like a mural, but less work. Weather you just want color without having to paint, or want to add a design to a painted wall, these are really fantastic!

These particular designs are from Wow Wall.

Check out these Etsy shops for more home decor wall decals:

Wow Wall - http://www.etsy.com/shop/WowWall

Extra Design - http://www.etsy.com/shop/extradesign

Surface Inspired - http://www.etsy.com/shop/surfaceinspired

Leen the Graphics Queen - http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeenTheGraphicsQueen

The Little Black Dress

2010-06-01T21:52:00.001-04:00

Every girl needs a simple little black dress. Or several.

Here's Why:

- It will always be in style. Jennifer Anniston looks as fashionable today as Audrey Hepburn did over 50 years ago, using the same secret: The little black dress!
- They can be worn for any season.
- Black is a slimming color - that's right... you look skinnier.
- It is so versatile. Dress it up with hot shoes and flashy accessories, or dress it down with a denim jacket and a cute hat. Wear it to work, wear it to a club, wear it to a dinner party, it's never inappropriate.

Some great styles to check out:

This little black dress is by Juicy Couture, and can be purchased at shopbop.com for $178.00: http://www.shopbop.com/abstract-sleeveless-double-layer-dress/vp/v=1/845524441871270.htm?folderID=2534374302063651&fm=other-shopbysize

This super cute little black dress is by Aqua and can be found at bloomingdale's for $98.00: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=484624&cm_mmc=Shopping.com-_-Womens-_-DRESS-_-Aqua_Black_V_Neck_Faille_Dress

This great bargain is from delia's and only costs $35.50! Check it out: http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=52913&mybuyscid=11351523243&cmpid=MBRecm

Even sporty companies like Moosejaw see the value of the little black dress. This cute, easy-to-wear piece is only $69.00. Check it out: http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Patagonia%20Women's%20Kamala%20Dress_10091816____?cm_mmc=CSE-_-Shopzilla-_-na-_-Patagonia%20Women's%20Kamala%20Dress&ad_id=cseshopzilla&zmam=89081595&zmas=3&zmac=28&zmap=795243

Rings

2010-05-31T20:05:00.004-04:00

Rings are very in style. Funky, interesting, big, noticeable rings are making their way to the stores more each season.

Here are a few fun styles that are currently in stores.

This "Triple Threat Cocktail Ring" can be found at Henri Bendel for $78.00. Check it out: HenriBendel.com

This "Ariella Collection Enamel Dome Adjustable Ring" can be found at Nordstrom for only $58.00
Check it out:
Nordstrom.com

This "Daisy Stone Adjustable Ring" by Juicy Couture is $78.00 at Bloomingdale's.

Check it out:

bloomingdales.com

Two Finger rings are all the rage. This one is simple but makes a serious statement. This "Sterling Silver Two Finger Bar Ring" by Elizabeth and James can be found at Bloomingdale's for $95.00. Check it out:

Bloomingdales.com

From My Closet

The following are fun rings from my closet.

This fun pink elephant comes from Top Shop. Look for more fun rings at Top Shop: topshop.com

Hot Colors for Summer 2010

2010-05-31T14:29:00.012-04:00

PANTONE SPRING/SUMMER 2010 COLOR REPORT The following are this season's most popular colors in fashion, and home decor according to PANTONE, the provider of color standards for professionals world-wide. Colors were determined based on the most prominent colors in fashion in New York Fashion Week's designer runway collections.	For PANTONE's full report including designer sketches, click here:http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/downloads/Pantone-Fashion-Color-Report-Spring-2010.pdf Turquoise - PANTONE 15-5519 C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0 GOE 104-2-3C
	Tomato Purée - PANTONE 18-1661 C/M/Y/K 13 / 99 / 70 / 0 GOE 26-3-1C
	Fusion Coral - PANTONE 16-1543 C/M/Y/K 1 / 48 / 42 / 0 GOE 16-1-2C
	Violet - PANTONE 16-3320 C/M/Y/K 25 / 53 / 0 / 0 GOE 45-1-3C
	Tuscany - PANTONE 16-1219 C/M/Y/K 25 / 35 / 41 / 0 GOE 16-4-1C
	Aurora - PANTONE 12-0642 C/M/Y/K 4 / 5 / 72 / 0 GOE 2-1-3C
	Amparo Blue - PANTONE 18-3945 C/M/Y/K 81 / 47 / 0 / 0 GOE 69-1-6C
	Pink Champagne - PANTONE 12-1107 C/M/Y/K 1 / 10 / 20 / 0 GOE 147-1-1C
	Dried Herb - PANTONE 17-0627 C/M/Y/K 45 / 31 / 65 / 10 GOE 153-1-3C
	Eucalyptus - PANTONE 15-0513 C/M/Y/K 26 / 22 / 40 / 0 GOE 153-1-1C

Gold Statement Necklaces

2010-05-29T13:53:00.003-04:00

An all metal, gold statement necklace is simply a must-have.

Why?
- It is classic. My grandmother had one, and they are still fashionable today.
- They go with any outfit. Dressed up or down, the piece will shine.
- Even on a budget, gold-plated statement pieces are equally fantastic to complete an outfit.
- Can be worn with ANY color, and any print and still look great.

Some personal favorites:

Fiona Paxton's "Sylvie" Necklace 42" can be found at Bloomingdales in stores or online for $300. Click here for more info: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=337857&CategoryID=3629

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Hammered Circle Necklace can be found at Nordstrom or online for $48.00 at: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3052695/0~2376779~6008000~6024156~6024234~6024250?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6024250&P=3

Elie Tahari's Sandy Necklace at Neiman Marcus can be found in stores or online for $348.00: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod100010142&parentId=cat21800734&masterId=cat4870734&index=9&cmCat=cat000000cat2830732cat4870731cat4870734cat21800734

This Sequin Necklace is a personal favorite of mine. I own this interesting and unique necklace, and get compliments every time I wear it. Can be found online at Charm & Chain for only $145.00:
http://www.charmandchain.com/products/tribal-necklace

Crazy Shoes

2010-05-29T02:11:00.003-04:00

Because who doesn't love to admire a fantastic pair of shoes... and dream of owning them? Why not?

Worn by Beyonce at the 2009 BET Awards.

The fringe is what makes these shoes fab by giving them chic movement.

Alexander McQueen's Outrageous shoes wowed the fashion world on the runway.

Balenciaga's colorful and industrial shoes are a statement. A simple black dress and these shoes are all you need to be the talk of the party!

For those of us who can't afford Balenciaga, Steve Madden knocked off this great design. And while I don't advocate knockoff's, I must admit I bought them, wore them, and got many compliments on them before I ever knew it was originally a Balenciaga design.

Another show stopper! Simple and sophisticated, but still somehow over the top. These beautiful Christian Louboutin shoes are super feminine with the lovely billowing bows in alternating colors.

On sale at: http://www.christian-louboutin-shoes.net/

Yves-Saint Laurent's spectacular caged shoes plastered the pages of nearly every fashion magazine earlier this year.

And last but certainly not least, Louis Vuitton makes some truly fantastic, jaw-dropping heels!

Airport Fashion

2010-05-28T01:37:00.008-04:00

Ok, so normally you are very fashionable. But sometimes the hottest fashions aren't appropriate for everything you do. The airport presents some major fashion dilemmas. You want to look great, but you also want to be a smart traveler. And frankly, at an airport dressing like an unwise traveler doesn't make you look so good anyway.

Fashion tips from a frequent flyer on how to dress to make flying less stressful:

-Wear slip on shoes. Get through security quicker with slip ons. Lace ups, zip ups, or difficult to put on and take off boots hold up lines! But a comfy pair of loafers, moccasins, or clogs make airport life easier. Plus you may have a long walk to and from your gate.

-Wear socks! Who knows who's been tracking what on that airport floor. Be a smart traveler and avoid the flip-flops and sandals that require going barefoot when the shoes come off (besides, they don't take up much room in a suit-case or backpack for an easy change later on).

-Avoid costume jewelry. It won't all set off the detectors, but much of it will! The more you have to take off to get through the metal detectors, the more likely something will get lost in the chaos. So pack the costume jewelry in your bag and breeze through security (sterling silver and real gold do not set off most metal detectors).

-Avoid baggy sweatshirts. Though it's great to be comfortable on an airplane, if your shirts are too baggy you are more likely to get a pat down by some unwanted hands at the security checkpoint. Plus, who knows who you might meet in an airport or on an airplane! Do you really want to be caught in an untraveled looking, baggy sweatshirt?

-Wear a button down, or zip up sweater. Air planes are often too cold or too hot, so being able to add or subtract a layer will help you be more comfortable. Just remember, you will have to send the top layer through the security screen.

-Avoid belts if possible. If not, try to wear a belt without metal. This is one of the most annoying accessories to take off and put on at the airport security checkpoint.

-Wear comfortable pants. Be it leggings, a looser fitting pair of blue jeans, or yoga pants, you have to sit for a long time in what you have on. You may want to fall asleep, or eat at some point, so make sure you wear pants that are comfortable.

-If you want to wear a skirt, wear a skirt that hangs past the knees. You don't want to accidentally expose anything if you shift positions in your seat!

Look Out For Ikat

2010-05-26T19:52:00.012-04:00

A new trend is emerging from it's infant stages. Ikat fabrics are showing up more and more, and by this time next year promises to be a must-have trend, both in home fashion and clothing. This hot spring look is bohemian chic.

Ikat fabric is a labor intensive, hand woven textile. This type of fabric has been produced for centuries. Today, fashion visionaries are using this old technique to create new fashion.

Be ahead of the fashion curve, and start dressing your home with this great style!

Chair can be found at West Elm: http://www.westelm.com/products/f882/?cm_src=OLDLINK

Pillow can be found on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rose-Tree-Palisades-18-Inch-Square/dp/B001C3GQM0

Start wearing Ikat fashion!

Scarf can be Found at Piperlime: http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.dopid=771077002&tid=PLAF1&ap=2&siteID=3823101

Shirt can be Found at TopShop: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&productId=685558&langId=-1&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=

Valerie Steele and the FIT Museum

2010-05-24T23:33:00.005-04:00

Today I had the pleasure of hearing Valerie Steele, renowned author and curator of the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum. Valerie received her Ph.D. from Yale and focused her dissertation on fashion, against the advice of her professors.

According to Valerie, fashion wasn't seen as a "serious" thing to study. Fashion still seems to have this stigma of being fluff rather than serious academia. However fashion schools including FIT, FIDM, and Parsons are gaining in popularity (all over the world). Student's are studying fashion and in a serious way.

Valerie discussed some of the ways in which she investigated fashion in a professional academic way. For example, she talked about a theory that doctors had in the 1800's. Doctors at the time theorized that women with curved spines were developing the problem due to wearing corsets. However, based on medical investigation, women are just as likely to develop curved spines in today's non-corset wearing lifestyle. The issue is actually a genetic problem effecting far more women than men, and having nothing at all to do with the fashion of the day.

Valerie also discussed marketing, and PR for the FIT Museum, as well as methods for acquiring new garments to the collection, careful upkeep to the collection and ways of coming up with new exhibition ideas. The FIT Museum is small but has an impressive permanent collection of over 50,000 garments and accessories.

Located at the corner of 7th Avenue and 27th Street, the FIT Museum is a great place to visit if you are in the New York area! They offer private back-scene tours if you call ahead.

For more info check out the FIT Museum website: http://fitnyc.edu/3662.asp

Practice What You Preach: 5-16-10

2010-05-16T17:43:00.004-04:00

Not Just A Lovely Face is a site for fashionable women. There is nothing stylish about someone who is all talk. You've got to practice what you preach.

Here are some examples so that I can show you how I practice what I preach:

Here are two spring outfits from my closet, both incorporate the "blazing blazer" as discussed on May 6, 2010: Blazing Blazer Post

...and the Straw hat, as discussed May 7, 2010: The Straw Hat

The Orange blazer on the left was purchased this season at Loehmann's. To find a store near you: http://www.loehmanns.com/

Both pairs of shoes are from Aldo: http://www.aldoshoes.com/
Pants are 7 For All Man Kind: http://www.7forallmankind.com/

The Cream colored blazer on the right was purchased this season at Banana Republic. To purchase this blazer click here: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=45420&vid=1&pid=745988&scid=745988002

Both straw hats I made myself in a Millinery Blocking class. Basic Millinery Courses are offered at the Fashion Institute of Technology for both enrolled students and continuing education students. For more info: fitnyc.edu

And Last but not least, I took my own home fashion advice last week by making a small tweek in decor. As discussed on May 5, 2010: (In The Know), I rearranged my books to make them more fashion-friendly to the eye.

This image inspired me to "color block" my books (and movies):

Here is the result: A simple subtle change, but I love the effect.

Home Fashion: Chair Dilemmas

2010-05-15T17:13:00.008-04:00

I have two rather problematic chairs in my little Upper West Side, New York apartment. Both present a huge home fashion emergency. Comments and suggestions are GLADLY welcome in my attempt at making my apartment more fashion friendly on a budget.

If you have similar furniture issues, maybe my ideas can help!

The 1st Horror: A modern brown pleather armless swivel chair
The problem: The fabric has been torn to shreds by my darling kitty cat

Potential Solution: Re-upholster using a fun and modern floral pattern in two colors.

While black and white can fit fashionably just about anywhere, I really love the mustard yellow color with the other colors in my apartment.

The 2nd Horror: A beautifully crafted chair form the 1850's, Denmark

The Problem: Hideous 20 something year old grandma-style fabric that has been faded by the sun

Potential Solution: Painted fabric. Not a common solution, but perhaps an awesome one (Suggestion was originally made by my extremely talented aunt Leigh Ann).

The first image is more traditional but beautiful, and I love the faux finish on the wood. The second is not my favorite design, but the technique and general idea is probably pretty close to the method I will use. I love the whimsical and funky chairs of Tuffet Lady, who produced the chair in the third image.

For more info on Tuffet Lady's fashion furniture click here: http://www.tuffetlady.com

I will update with photos when I get my act together to making my fashion emergency chairs more beautiful!

The September Issue: A Vogue Documentary

2010-05-13T23:28:00.010-04:00

Everyone in fashion is talking about The September Issue.

This documentary is about Anna Wintour and the making of Vogue Magazine's september issue. The movie is very sympathetic toward Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue. Despite her reputation for being a cruel and ruthless boss (rumors have it that Miranda Priestly played by Meryl Streep in the Devil wears Prada is based on Anna Wintour), she comes across as a determined level-headed business woman. While she was certainly not the warm and fuzzy type that most people hope to work for, she seemed in this film to just be trying her best to get the job done properly.

The film also featured Grace Coddington, the incredibly talented stylist for Vogue's photo shoots, who has worked at the magazine as long as Anna Wintour. Coddington was protrayed as the hard-working yet emotional side of Vogue. She took every photo cut personally, which was a bit much to take at times for anyone who understands the cut-throat nature of the fashion business. It is a business that truly requires thick skin.

However, Coddington's sweet, whimsical and emotional attititudes compliment Wintour's cold, serious and rational side beautifully. Perhaps it is the odd differences and bizarre relationship between these two women that make Vogue the most successful fashion magazine.

Fashion icon appearances in this film include: Oscar De La Renta, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Vera Weng, John Galliano and more.

This Fashionable documentary is available on Netflix Instant Que: netflix.com

Big Buddha Bags

2010-05-13T02:07:00.004-04:00

I love my Big Buddha bag, and I can't go another day without sharing my thoughts on this great handbag company with everyone.

-Big Buddha handbags are eco-friendly. My bag came with a tag on it announcing that it is "vegan friendly". And in all honesty, I was shocked because the faux leather is such high quality that I could hardly believe it wasn't the real thing!

-Always keep in mind that it is fashion forward to be eco-friendly.

-Big Buddha bags come in a wide variety of colors, styles and sizes, so there is an eco-friendly bag for just about anyone's taste!

-Many of their bags are designed with numerous pockets in varying sizes for easy organization

-They are so cute! Here are just a few of my favorite styles:

These styles and more can be found at: www.ebigbuddha.com/

Fashion Institute of Technology Presents: Bryant Bark

2010-05-08T14:45:00.007-04:00

I never dreamed how big of a deal pet fashion could be! And while it all may be a bit ridiculous, its just too fantastic not to mention here. On April 12th FIT hosted their second annual dog fashion show. All fashions were produced by students. The show was presented to a packed house with tons of media coverage. I guess pets can wear the latest fashion too?

for info on FIT's pet fashion show click here: http://www.fitnyc.edu/7891.asp

But I think it may be even more fun to check out these photos:

Cute, but crazy! But for all you dog lovers out there, it is definitely in style to dress up your dog!

This last image is about as far as I think I would go personally:

Fun Summer Fashion Trend: The Straw Hat

2010-05-07T12:11:00.004-04:00

Be it a sisal, panama, jute or hemp, straw hats are making a serious fashion statement this summer. I can't walk a block in NYC this season without seeing several straw hats on both men and women. Why they're great? These hats are super casual and give an outfit an extra fashion flare.

Celebs seen here threw on a straw fedora to complete their fashionably casual look.

Models show off fun ways to wear straws.

Buy your own fashion worthy and affordable straw hat at the following website:
http://www.villagehatshop.com/vhs_womens_straw.html

Fashion Must Have For All Seasons: The Blazing Blazer

2010-05-06T22:05:00.011-04:00

for FASHION TIP EXTRA see end of blog.

Living in New York City, I observe a lot of fashion trends that come and go quickly. Blazers, I predict are here to stay for quite a while. I am thrilled roaming down Broadway and 5th Avenue and seeing the incredible array of blazers worn by New York Fashionable women.

Why this hot new item is so lovable?

1) There are endless styles and variations on the classic blazer.

2) The blazer is CLASSIC fashion. It may not always be the HOT item, but it will never be out of style.

3) Blazers are for every season. In the fall add a scarf and your Blazer acts as your jacket. In the winter, throw a warm down coat or a pea coat over it, no problem! In the spring, adding a blazer over a tank top and skirt makes the outfit dynamite! And in the summer, we still have to deal with the blasting AC at the movie theaters, subways, work, etc. and carrying a blazer with you makes you look much classier than if you were to carry a sweatshirt!

4) It is a super simple way to dress up a casual outfit. Jeans, a cheap tee and flip flops... comfortable as can be, right? Throw on a blazer and perhaps a great necklace and you look like a million bucks!

Celebs rockin their blazin blazers.

Heidi Klum dresses up her blazer with another hot fashion item this season: a brooch.

Emilio Sosa of Project Runway does the blazer in a new and exciting way.

If you are interested in adding a new blazer to your wardrobe, here are a few personal favorites:

I own this Blazer from Banana Republic. I love it! It was one of the best purchases I've made in some time. I wear it with a solid color bright tank top underneath (such as turqoise or coral), a pair of dark denim blue jeans and black heels.

There are two reasons I love this blazer so much. First, is the casual color which makes a dressy style an everyday item. Second is the length, it's just long enough for those days when I'm not feeling "skinny", because it hides the waist line flawlessly.

Check out this Fashionable blazer:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=45420&vid=1&pid=745988&scid=745988002

The Gap describes this blazer as "the shrunken schoolboy" look. It is shorter in length, allowing a bit more versatility in the type of pant or skirt it can be comfortably worn with. The dark blue color, contrasting lining and breast pocket make this fashion look complete!

Interested in owning this fashion must have? Click here:

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51452&vid=1&pid=498718&scid=498718002

This "Boyfriend Blazer" from Bloomingdale's is pure classic fashion. This piece will never be out of style. It is black, so it can be worn with anything, and the cut and length are flattering for almost any body type.

Make a fashion statement with a classic. Visit Bloomingdale's Website:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=208926&CategoryID=15961

FASHION TIP EXTRA: Notice how ALL of the blazers in all of these images are worn (every style, and color). Do you see it? The way to be as fashionable as possible with your blazer this season is to roll up the sleeves to about 3/4 length and expose the lining! It makes you appear cool and casual but totally collected in your classic blazer look.

It's Always Fashionable to be in the Know!

2010-05-05T11:58:00.006-04:00

My blog is not just about Fashion that we wear, but fashion in our lives. Fashion is trends, styles, looks, methods modes and approaches. To be a fashionable, we need more than an eye for clothing.
It is truly always in fashion to be in the know! While ignorance is bliss, knowledge is power. And personally, I'm an advocate of strong and powerful women.

I've been working in my own apartment on a creative way to combine being in the know with home fashion.

So today's fashion statement has two parts: 1) Make a summer reading list. 2) Use your books as Decor!

For summer reading ideas check out Oprah's Summer reading list: http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Summer-Reading-List-Summer-Books

Books are very home fashion friendly. Here are some fun ideas for how to show off your books in trendy ways.

I love this look for a small apartment. Subtle colors are used throughout the space and the books are the main focal point of the room! And for times when you don't want them on display? A bright curtain! Showstopping.

I absolutely love this look. The person in this room is a home fashion genius! First of all, natural wood will never go out of style. Second, the look of natural wood in any shade is particularly fashionable right now given the undeniable current trend in being "green". But what is really so great about this space is the way the books are displayed! Rather than sectioning books by title, author, or genre the books are displayed by color. The simple color blocking probably took little time and no extra money and the result is dynamite!

Pressed for space? Built in shelves are a great form of storage. They can hold all of your books, television, picture frames, etc. The colaboration of objects on the shelves makes this space intersting. simple decor lets the objects on the bookshelves stand out spectacularly.

Here are some interesting book shelves that can make your space more fashionable! They are modern and definite conversation pieces. If you have carpentry skills, then get to work! If not I always love the affordable home fashions from West Elm and Pier 1.

For more fashion friendly bookcases try these websites:

http://www.westelm.com/shop/room-wall-decor/wall-shelving/?cm_type=gnav
http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Furniture/Furniture/tabid/519/CategoryID/153/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/6654/Default.aspx?ProductName=Colegio-%22M%22-Bookcase

If you are really looking for some zany ways to showcase your books try this wacky, yet fun idea from Shelterpop.com! http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/04/16/a-couch-made-of-books-a-novel-idea/

Wrist Appeal

2010-05-04T23:31:00.003-04:00

Looking like a million bucks doesn't have to cost a million bucks. A bold bracelet can be all you need to make a Fashion statement.

Enamel Bracelets are the hot fashion spring.

I love this bracelet by Sequin. This is a statement jewelry piece for sure. In any color it can make a whole outfit! The Black and White Bracelet was used for styling with a simple white dress on the first page of the Dillard's advertisement that appeared in the May 2010 issue of Vogue. It has also been featured in lots of fashion blogs. Clearly a must have. These bracelets, along with several other smaller versions can be found currently at Nordstrom.

For more info on these fashion enamels click here: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3088121/0~2376779~2374605~6005886?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005886&P=1

Fashion Icon, Sarah Jessica Parker is showing off more than her perfume bottle in this picture. She smartly accessorizes her arms with bold statement bracelets in a mix of metals and bright colors.

This is an easy trick to make any dress or outfit look more expensive.

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