UrbanOG.com Blog

2013-05-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Free Shoes Giveaway Winner: Ashley Muller

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Ashley Mueller! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Cleopatra's Gorgeous 50th Anniversary

2013-05-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

The film. The face. The fashion. Timeless.

50th glamorous years after stealing the hearts of audiences around the world, "Cleopatra" reigns supreme. If you haven't seen the film.... stop reading this and go watch it. There are really no words to describe the stunning set and costume design work. The detail, unparalleled.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Academy Award-winning movie, starring none other than Elizabeth Taylor, the film has been restored and just screened at the Cannes Film Festival as an official selection.

The world premiere screening brought out celebrities in droves, and was hosted by Jessica Chastain, who wore one of Liz's coveted 52 karat sapphire necklaces. And in true Elizabeth fashion, following the viewing, a reception was held displaying some of Ms. Taylor's personal jewelry collection and an auction with proceeds benefitting her charity, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Take a look at some stills from this breathtaking film to celebrate!

Posted by: SV

Cannes Film Festival Fashion Wrap-Up!

2013-05-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

It's kind of hard to believe that it's already that time again... Cannes Film Festival time. That means the year is already nearly half over! Can you believe it?

In true red carpet glamour form, this year's festival showing of couture didn't disappoint. And while there were a few fashion surprises (Vernice Bejo's Louis Vuitton blue jumper anyone?), most of the stars, both super famous (how adorable is Nicole Kidman's flirty floral tea length dress?), and those climbing the gargantuan ladder, kept it simple and classic.

We saw a lot of black, white, red, and black and white combos, perfectly on trend for the season.

So who was your favorite? Take a look at some of ours!

Sofia Coppola in Louis Vuitton, and Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Ahna O'Reilly in Elie Saab, and Zhang Ziyi in Carolina Herrera

Berenice Bejo in Louis Vuitton, and Emma Watson in Christopher Kane

Julianne Moore in Dior Haute Couture, and Nicole Kidman in Dior Haute Couture

Posted by: SV

(photos: Wire, Getty)

2013-05-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Free Shoes Giveaway Winner: Deborah Barkley

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Deborah Barkley! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Ben Affleck's Fashion for a Cause

2013-05-15T14:08:00.001-07:00

Well, it's not everyday that I get to write about Ben Affleck and fashion. I mean, he's fabulous and all, but the thought of him as a fashion designer...?

But awesomely enough, that's what today's little blog is all about! Ben Affleck just officially added suedo fashion designer to his long title, and has teamed up TOMS shoes with his Eastern Congo Initiative organization to design a limited-edition shoe collection to help support the people of the eastern Congo. We're definitely digging that.

The shoes are inspired by traditional Congolese textiles, and are formulated under TOMS signature environment friendly materials and comfy make. And the best part of this whole shindig... TOMS has added to their one-for-one model where not only will they donate a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold, but $5 from each sale will be donated toward ECI's family and youth programs.

We think that's pretty dope!

What do you think of the shoes for a cause?

Posted by: SV

(photos: TOMS shoes)

Kate Moss Bares it All for St. Tropez

2013-05-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Well, if there was any doubt that summer was almost here... I'm pretty sure Kate Moss' bikini-less body will probably fix that. Heck, if ever we thought we were looking good for bikini season... she probably fixed that too with her bronzed and toned body! haha...

Well, self-tanning brand St. Tropez has struck bikini gold with their new summer campaign, which features some gorgeous swimsuit shots of miss Kate Moss, as well as the, ahem, above shot!

And apparently this campaign has a moral message tucked away: The brand wants to prove that women accross all age groups, around the world, are beautiful. Kate Moss is 39. Our response? Rock on! We love the confidence and beauty, and are all for encouraging women of all types to feel the same! And we're also huge fans of self-tanners versus cooking in the sun or those outdated, dangerous tanning boxes!

What do you think of the campaign? Got you in the mood for some tan-line free self-tanners?

Posted by: SV

(photos: St. Tropez)

Monique Lhuillier's Bridal Collection

2013-05-10T12:58:00.002-07:00

"From City Hall to the altar, whether there are hundreds of guests or just two..."

That was the idea and inspiration, straight from designer Monique Lhuillier's lips, about her new bridal collection, which showed for spring 2014.

Chalk full of simple, clean lines, elegant shapes, and beautifully simple details on softly flowing fabrics, the collection was meant to cater to the needs of every type of bride. The collection featured just about every type of cut a girl could want, from strapless, to sleeveless, to one shoulder ivory, and even minis.

Yet she stayed true to form, and her ball gowns, featuring gentle lace and tulle accents, were major wow-factor pieces.

So what do you think of the dreamy collection?

Posted by: SV

(photos: Dan & Corina Lecca)

2013-05-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Free Shoes Giveaway Winner: Erin Helfen

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Erin Helfen! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Mother's Day DIY at Home Gift Ideas

2013-05-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

So, how many of you are ready for Mother's Day?.... just a little reminder, in case it just-so-happened to slip your mind.. Mother's Day is this Sunday!!!

And I figure, what better way to share your love of mom (or a special gal in your life) than to make something from the heart? Not only does it say, "I love you" with a gift, but it says an even more meaningful love since you took your time and energies toward creating something more personal and memorable. And let's not forget, if you're in a pinch and forgot to order that perfume you might usually do, these are gift ideas that can be done with things around the house, or with a quick trip to your local craft store.

Peep the fun video! We've got DIY porcelain flowers, family photo coaster tiles, a soothing foot soak, a yummy goodie jar, and a gorgeous floral arrangement.

What do you think? What are you planning to do for Mother's Day?

Posted by: SV

2013 Met Gala Red Carpet Recap!

2013-05-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

This week was the 2013 Met Gala, one of fashion's biggest celebrity nights! And the theme for this year? "Punk: Chaos to Couture." With such an edgy theme, one didn't know what to expect, but the night certainly delivered!

From Anne Hathaway's new blonde mohawk and seriously sexy-sheer dress (seriously, doesn't she look amaze craze?) to Madonna's naughty fishnet tweed ensemble, to Nicole Richie's snow white locks, this event kept onlookers drooling, and fashion critics ablaze!

Check out some of the vibrant looks from the evening. Who was your favorite?

Posted by: SV

Tilda Swinton for Chanel

2013-05-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Let me start this off by saying the following: Tilda Swinton is amazing. I mean, truly amazing both internally and externally. And so is Karl Lagerfeld. So the two of them together? So much awesomeness how can one contain themselves!

Tilda Swinton is Chanel's newest spokesperson, and images from her campaign shoot are starting to surface, showing glimpses of Karl Lagerfeld's signature smoke white hair ponytail behind the lens.

The pre-fall 2013 collection, titled "Paris-Edimbourg Metiers d'Art" showcases Tilda's iconic androgynous look with modern and timeless elegance. And, did I mention she's 52 years old?! It's always exciting to see the fashion world embrace women of all ages, and looks.

What do you think? The campaign rolls out later this month!

Posted by: SV

Diane von Furstenberg for Gap

2013-05-03T10:21:00.001-07:00

They're adorable. Plain. And. Simple.

Toddlers and children are stepping out this summer in bold, playful style, as miss Diane von Furstenberg launches her second collection for GapKids and babyGap. The inspiration? The "natural explorer" as she puts it.

The collection is full of playful prints reminiscent of the African safari, and dabbles in green, pink, black, and emerald hues. With the help of some adorably patterned wild animals, the same type of illustrations can be found on the collection's assortment of easy breezy wrap dresses, shorts, rompers, and cute swimwear.

So what do you think of the new DVF collection? Pretty darn adorable!

Posted by: SV

2013-05-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

Free Shoes Giveaway Winner: Chelsea Shapland

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Chelsea Shapland! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Illamasqua's UV Blacklight - Glow in the Dark Nail Polish

2013-05-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Nails will never be the same. The rave trend is back in full force, and it's hitting fashion loving folks in a surprising new area: our nails.

Creative and innovative UK beauty brand just launched a new UV glow nail polish collection that lights your tips like little alien light bulbs. Imagine, if you will, being at a rave, watching all the tranced out dancers spinning their glow sticks. It's like that, except your finger tips are the glow sticks!

There are 3 colors to choose from, as well as a UV top coat that I think is the best option. The colors, Omen, Seance, and Ouija (I know, subtle names, right?!) each glow under black light, even if you have a regular top coat over them. And the UV top coat, Geist, will make any of your plain, regular polishes glow ablaze.

What do you think of this new trend? Are you on board the glow stick nail ship?

Posted by: SV

(photos: Illamasqua.com)

247,000 Swarovski Crystals on the Dress! Mowtown The Musical

2013-04-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

ESosa is at it again! In case you don't know the name, ESosa is the Tony Award nominated costume designer for many Broadway productions. The name automatically incites drool worthy costumes of the highest, most elaborate regard, and this month is no exception!

The new Broadway show, "Mowtown: The Musical" opened at New York's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre this month, featuring the golden era of when Mowtown was the only town to be seen in. The show was inspired by the story of how Berry Gordy, Jr. founded Mowtown Records, and essentially reshaped the face of music forever, releasing artists like Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Miss Diana Ross.

And boy does Diana Ross, played by Valisia LeKae, shine on! ESosa partnered with Swarovski to create a collection of dresses that bear 247,000 crystals. The designs? Custom of course. And fabulous.

Our only question is, how much do those dresses weigh?

Posted by: SV

2013-04-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Top Fans $100 Giveaway Winner: Savannah Bates

Thank you to all who entered our monthly Top Fans Giveaway. Congratulations to this month’s winner, Savannah Bates! To enter our monthly Top Fans Giveaway, be sure to "like" our Facebook page and stay tuned for our next giveaway.

OPI Phone Cases!

2013-04-29T10:57:00.001-07:00

When it comes to fashion, we spend most of our time i the mirror, putting together an outfit for the day that reflects our mood and occasion. We pair the right shoes, bag, and hairstyle... and even coordinate our nails for the week. But what about that other accessory that is constantly in our hands? The phone?

I just came across these new OPI iPhone cases and thought they were delightfully fun and ever so girly! OPI teamed up with My Case Couture to create phone covers that exactly match some of their most popular lacquer colors. How fun are they?

And in addition to getting the case, they also include a mini bottle of the color. So what do you think of the cases?

Posted by: Spankie

2013-04-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Free Shoes Giveaway Winner: Hayley Decker

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Hayley Decker! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Vera Wang's New Wedding Dress Collection 2014

2013-04-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! Bridal Fashion Week is upon us, and eyes of brides-to-be and bridal wannabes are glued to the runway, as designers like Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrerea, Marchesa and Vera Wang showcase their new spring 2014 bridal collections.

And this time, when Vera speaks, we all listen. She promised there would be "a whole new statement" for her collection, and she wasn't kidding. Playing on the trend we're starting to see pop up of the resurgence of the roaring 20's drop waist (thanks to Gatsby and Tiffany's new blue box collection), Vera surprised us with her take on modern sensuality.

Leather opera gloves, two-tone gowns and cutaways were the big statement, and in black nonetheless!

So what do you think of Vera Wang's new collection? Will you be strutting to your "I do's" in a dramatic black-and-white?

Posted by: Spankie

2013-04-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Free Shoes Giveaway Winner: Marisol Pena

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Marisol Pena! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Kat Von D Releases New Book: Go Big or Go Home!

2013-04-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Kat Von D has accomplished so much in the past few years. The famed tattoo artist has certainly kept herself busy with a seemingly endless list of creative endeavors including launching a makeup line with Sephora, designing her own clothing line, creating the annual tattoo and music festival Musink, opening the art gallery Wonderland, releasing two books of her art and tattoo work, and even writing her own music! Kat’s definitely made her mark on the world, all while asserting herself as a force to be reckoned with in the mostly male-dominated world of tattooing. Basically the woman is a total bad-ass!

She has just released her third book, Go Big or Go Home: Taking Risks in Life, Love, and Tattooing. And just like everything else she’s done, it’s pretty epic! Simply not content to be merely a dreamer, Kat has always chased down her passions with abandon. Through drawings, insightful essays, and beautiful photography featuring some of the large-scale tattoo work she's undertaken, she provides an intimate look into her penchant for adventure in every aspect of her life.

Go Big or Go Home: Taking Risks in Life, Love, and Tattooing is now available in book stores and online. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for Kat if you want to meet her; she’s now making her way around the country on a book tour!

Posted by: Michelle R.

(Photos: Kat Von D, Instagram)

Coachella Celebrity Fashion Wrap Up

2013-04-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Ah Coachella.... the once-a-year music driven gathering where celebrities, regular folks, and hippie fashion intertwine, in a modern day Woodstock extravaganza.

And while this year, we saw even more of the corporate pop-ups and designer endorsed parties and sponsorships, celebrities still came out in full force, dressed head-to-toe like... well.... everyone else!

Fringe, colors, relaxed fit, boho, flowers and flats are all the rage for the event in Indio, Cali, and we've collected some pics of some of the highlight looks you would have seen at the 3 day event! Enjoy!

Supermodel Alessandro Ambrosio in a fringe vest and knit top and skirt, complete with flat calf boots.

Katy Perry in a playful citrus 2 piece ensemble with white wedges.

Vanessa Hudgens in a frilly 2 piece short set.

Rita Ora in some type of sheer menswear and printed skirt?

Leggy Solange in a summertime citrus gown.

Rihanna in Channel and studs.

And, of course, Dita von Teese in a playful color patterned shirtdress.

Posted by: Spankie

How to Wear Leopard Pants!

2013-04-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about jeans is that there are no rules! Literally.... you can rock jeans in just about any style these days and make them look chic... case-in-point: patterned jeans. And more specifically, my new favorite finds, the leopard print jeans.

Spring season is all about mixing prints and patterns, and your own individual style can shine through brilliantly when working with patterned jeans, as they cover about 1/2 of your body. So whatever statement you're making, make sure it's you!

When wearing leopard pants, your best bet is to go with solid neutrals to sandwich the look. Meaning, a classic white tee and fitted black blazer on top is superb, and neutral black pumps on the bottom is fabulous. Because the print of the jeans is so bold, you don't want to detract too much attention away from them by also wearing that kind of bold pattern up top, unless of course, you looking for even more stares as you cross the street.

Throw on a black satchel over the shoulder to keep the look casual, and voila! Instant chic!

What do you think of the look?

Posted by: Spankie

(photo: chictopia - tatulina)

2013-04-15T08:41:00.004-07:00

Free Shoes Giveaway Winner: Risa Darveaux

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Risa Darveaux! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Fresh Twist on Shorts Elegance!

2013-04-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is going strong now, and while we're all hot-to-trot over the current fashion trends like black & white, emerald, and pastels, we're also digging this fresh take on a classic look! It's the white short... or should we say skirt? Actually, it's a skort, and we couldn't be happier to see it!

It's been a while since fashion has cycled back to the skort, the shorts-disguized-as-shorts look, but when this little white number flashed across our eyes, we were thrilled! It ads such a playful and ultra feminine look to a pair of white shorts, just perfect for the warmer months.

Pairing your shorts, skirt, or skort with a simple, drapey tee is the perfect way to balance the airy, lightness of this casual-meets-chic look. It is so effortless, you could actually wear this to a brunch, outing with friends, or an evening affair if paired with a clutch and perhaps statement necklace.

The simple strappy sandals add the perfect touch of elegance, and the exposed toes really elongate the legs! Who doesn't want that?!

So, hooray for the skort! What do you think?

Posted by: Spankie

(photo: MEGANROSES - chictopia)