Little Black Dress

Rafael Nadal and Kobe Bryant Model Nike Sportswear

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:08:00 +0000

Sweats usually aren't my thing. I think people should only shlep around in sweats if they are lounging at home, but there is something about the way Rafael Nadal wears his sweats. Even in his purple sweatshirt he still manages to look good. Honestly not many men can pull off wearing such a light shade of purple. Kobe Bryant isn't one of my favorite people, but he looks ok in his sweats too. I guess.

Image via: The Cut

How To Wear Circle Scarves

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:32:00 +0000

Circle scarves are a great accessory for people who love to play around with their look. The appeal this season has to do with the scarf's versatility. There are a myriad of ways for you to wear it, and American Apparel was nice enough to create a handy guide to show us how it is done.

Topshop's Fall Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:30:00 +0000

The Fall Collection for Topshop is divided into a wide arrange of interesting categories, Horror Girl (punk rock inspired), Manhattan Cocktail (glitz, glam, and shine), Marianne (boho fringe), and Highland Fling (Scottish inspired). Take a look below and you will see each of the inspired looks. The super high boots, sequined cocktail dress and blazer are clearly Manhattan. The red and black dress and studded booties are punk. The feathered headdress and vest are boho chic. While the button down jacket with plaid interior is casually Scottish. They work because each look isn't over the top or a caricature of the inpiration.

Image via: The Cut

Stormy Nights

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:42:00 +0000

Last night there was a storm that came into the area. In a matter of 30 minutes it managed to blow down a tree on my block and leave us without light until this afternoon. There was hail, pouring rain, and gushing winds. After waiting out the storm I still had to run out without an umbrella, hence my search for the perfect rain gear.

Lulu Guinness Painted Lips Tiny Umbrella

Lulu Guinness Cameo Stripe Eliza Umbrella

Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots

Burberry Chain-Embellished Wellington Boots

Image via Net -A - Porter & Lulu Guinness

Swimwear Trends 09

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Bright colors are always appropriate for a day in the sun and are usually the option that I choose. These swimsuits by Victoria's Secret are flirty and attention getting. Bright colors often look great on a multitude of skin colors and will only enhance the tan you get at the beach.

This summer try out an asymmetrical one shoulder bathing suit. The style below is from Salinas for Urban Outfitters.

Another trend we have seen on the runway by such designers such as Max Azria, is the cutout suit. This bathing suit by Silence & Noise for Urban Outfitters uses this trend but the look is still subtle seeing as the front is covered.

Monokinis are popular on the runway and more interesting than a traditional two piece bathing suit. These styles are fairly similar, all have a diamond shape piece that covers the midriff. My favorite is the red and white polka dot monokini from Victoria's Secret. The black monokini is from Delia's, while the gold is Victoria's Secret and the jellyfish print is Urban Outfitters.

Strapless one pieces are great for women who are a little shy to bare all, but do not want to be completely covered. The turquoise butterfly suit is by Juicy Couture. Since red is my favorite color I'm leaning towards the red suit by La Blanca by Rod Beattie. The polkadot black suit is by Miraclesuit, a brand which helps you suck it in and look up to 10 pounds lighter.

Coco Chanel Celebrated Through Film

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Fashion passes, style remains
Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel will be commemorated in film twice this summer. Style mavens everywhere are anticipating the biopics Coco Before Chanel (Coco Avant Chanel) staring Audrey Tautou, as well as Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky: The Secret Story staring Anna Mouglalis. The movie starring Audrey Tautou will focus on her rise from obscurity to fame, whereas the Anna Mouglalis film is about the alleged affair between Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky.
Anna Mouglalis looks a little more like Coco Chanel in my opinion, but from the trailer it seems like both women do a good job in portraying Coco. Unfortunately the trailer for Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky: The Secret Story is not in English, but I'm sure you will enjoy just the same.

Coco Before Chanel (English Version)

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky: The Secret Story (French Version)

Happy Belated 4th of July

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Daydreaming about Ibiza

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:27:00 +0000

All this rain we've been getting has got me daydreaming about far off places. Although I go to Spain pretty frequently, it has been 7 years since I've been to Mallorca, and when I went I didn't get the chance to go to the nearby island of Ibiza. I would love to go sometime soon, but for now I'm left to look at these pictures.
Recently I stumbled across Stefan Rohner, a photographer based out of Ibiza, and I fell in love with his pictures. You can check out his blog here.

Mexican Designer Alejandra Quesada

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:42:00 +0000

I fell in love with Alejandra Quesada's clothes. I wish I had visited her boutique this past winter when I was in Mexico City. Mexico City's fashion scene is starting to slowly gain recognition worldwide, which is wonderful for such a vibrant culture that contributes so much to art and design.

For more Alejandra Quesada check out her website here.

New York City is the Third Most Stylish City

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:24:00 +0000

According to Forbes, New York City is the third most fashionable city. As much as I love New York I have to agree, Paris and Milan are some stiff competition, with all those Italian women running around in stiletto boots and the Parisian seemingly effortless style. The US does have the most cities on the list out of any country. Next year I'd like to see Madrid ranked a little higher.

Paris
Milan
New York
London
Rome
Los Angeles
Tokyo
Madrid
San Francisco
Barcelona

Image via forbes.com

Feeling colorful

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Anna Sui for Target : Inspiration Gossip Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Here is a sneak peak at the new Anna Sui collection for Target. The collection will be coming out this September. On the whole I think Anna Sui succeeded in showing the overall style of each character, although some of the looks do lean towards the obvious. Jenny's outfits reflect her rebel, punk style. Vanessa Abrams' outift could have been a bit more interesting, rather than the matching orange, yellow, and brown. I must say I'm a little disappointed with the Serena van der Woodsen looks, especially since her style is my favorite on the show. Her outfits are a little boring. Blair's outfits are my favorite by far. Take a look and decide for yourself.

Blair Waldorf

Serena van der Woodsen

Jenny Humphrey

Vanessa Abrams

Michael Jackson Influenced Balmain Spring 2009 Ready to Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Here are the MJ inspired looks for Balmain.

Michael Jackson's Iconic Style

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:46:00 +0000

This past week fans around the world were shocked to hear that pop icon Michael Jackson died from cardiac arrest. Only 50 years old, he left behind a vast repertoire that has influenced all pop artists, and will continue to influence from years to come. As an entertainer he was unique and his sense of style was like no other, a style you may call flashy, eccentric, avant-garde, or outrageous. Recently Michael has been all over fashion media in regards to his fashion choices as well as speculation for what he might wear during his 50 date tour. It was said that he was going to wear thousands of Swarovski crystals for one of his performances. There has also been a lot of buzz regarding the apparent similarities between Michael's choice jackets and Christophe Decarnin's Balmain jackets.
Below is a collage of some of Michael's signature style decisions that he has made throughout the years (courtesy of NY Magazine's fashion blog The Cut).

September Issue Documentary

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Fashion is not about looking back, it's about looking forward
Anna Wintour

The September issue of most fashion magazines tend to be much bigger than the rest of the year. The September 2007 issue of Vogue weighed just about 5 pounds! If you are anything like me, the thought of September Vogue brings a smile to your face. For me it marks the onset of fall fashion, the chance to wear jackets again, at a the time when I'm most likely fed up with the humid and muggy NYC summer.

R.J. Cutler is a documentary filmmaker who decided to take on the multifaceted world of fashion, by following the single most important figure in fashion in North America. He shadows her life at Vogue and gives an inside look at what it takes to be the most successful fashion magazine in the US. We have heard the rumors about Ms. Wintour and we have watched the movie about the devil who wears a certain Italian designer, but what do we really know what it's like?

In the trailer to the documentary we are introduced to a frank and forthright Anna. She doesn't hold back, using snappy remarks that are both honest but probaly true. While speaking to Oscar de la Renta she retorts every so nonchalantly, "I certainly would not put this one in the show. The other things you've shown are more exciting." He most likely listened. Her influence is evident by the way designers speak about her, the way bloggers write about her, and the way fashion media follows her every move. Like her or not she is important.

"There is something about fashion that can make people very nervous," Wintour says to the camera and she is right. After all the fashion industry is greatly influenced by our senses, sight and touch, as well as fantasy and inspiration. Each season designers strive to push boundaries, excite us, make us want more. And for all the critics out there, they cannot deny that fashion is a billion dollar industry. The influence is overwhelming.

I haven't seen the documentary and cannot wait to watch it. This seems much more interesting than the contrived fashion reality shows that have been on TV.

Gwen Stefani Elle Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:13:00 +0000

Gwen looks stunning on the July issue of Elle magazine. I love the photographs taken by Carter Smith, some of which are a bit faded and almost overexposed, but display Gwen's beauty just the same.

Elle.com behind the scenes look at the cover shoot.

In the picture above Gwen is wearing a wool coat from Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 Ready To Wear collection. On her the dress looks amazing, however something tells me that many women wouldn't wear the dress to work or for everyday, especially the giant sized neck brace. Below there are some alternative houndstooth dresses and jackets that may be around your price range.

Soia & Kyo
Black houndstooth 'Billy' funnel neck coat
$178.50
bluefly.com

Via Spiga
Black houndstooth wool blend 'Carso' belted coat
$149.99
bluefly.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Scribble houndstooth dress
$229
eluxury.com

Check out ShopStyle.com.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Great news! Jimmy Choo is making a line for H&M! Shoe lovers everywhere can now say that they own a pair of Jimmy Choo's. Another luxury brand is lowering its prices for the Sweedish chain.

Last week Jimmy Choo anounced that it would team up with H&M to create a collection comprised of shoes, bags, and accessories. The collection will be ready and in 200 stores around the world in mid November.

Tamara Mellon, founder and President of Jimmy Choo is very happy with the collaboration. "We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too," said Mellon. She calls the collection, "sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible, and glamorous."

Tamara Mellon (left) with Margaret van den Bosch (right)

The creative advisor for H&M Margareta van den Bosch is the reason behind the impressive lineup of designers H&M has had, including Comme des Garcons, Matthew Williamson, Viktor & Rolf, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Roberto Cavalli. Margareta says, “We adore Jimmy Choo’s shoes and bags. I like the way we have worked with clothes to accessorize the shoes and bags rather than the other way around. This collaboration is particularly exciting because it's our first shoe designer collection. It's a joy to be able to offer top end designer shoes and bags of excellent quality to our customers."

Street Style Spain - Madrid (Barrio de la Latina) Summer 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:06:00 +0000

Spanish women always seem to put their best foot forward. As a little girl I remember my grandmother always stressing the importance of dressing up whenever we went into the city. They dress for themselves, but also to be seen, which is probably why they often look so good.

This two toned, tie dye dress is from Zara. The Aviators are Ray Ban.

The gladiator sandals are vintage and the gray handbag is from Pull & Bear.

This girl's floral print dress is from Spanish label Mango. The brown shoulder bag is from Blanco, a Spanish fashion store.

The braided sandals shown here are another alternative for the gladiator sandals, if you find them to be too much.

Here you see another dress from Zara with a flirty floral print. Her bracelets are from a variety of places such as flea markets or boutiques such as Durán y Tous.

more at vogue.es

Eva Mendes Steamy Calvin Klein Ad

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:51:00 +0000

To keep with the traditional sexy, barely any clothes Calvin Klein Jeans ads, Eva Mendes takes it all off again. This time she isn't revealing everything (she still has on her Calvins), like she did for a certain scandalous Calvin Klein Secret Obsession commercial, but the pictures are still stirring some buzz in tinsel town. Eva visited The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien where they spoke candidly about her 'work.' I mean its her job, but as Conan pointed out, it hardly seems like work when you slather oil all over your body and get cozy with male model Jamie Dornan.

Needless to say Eva looks amazing in the photos, if not a bit greasy. The ads are said to be on billboards as well as magazines.

Kate Moss and Darias Werbowy pose for Mert & Marcus for Longchamp Winter 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:26:00 +0000

Kate Moss and Daria Werbowy, a Canadian model are featured in the ad campaign for Longchamp Paris for Winter 2009. The campaign was shot by the sought after photography pair, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, also known as Mert & Marcus.

Not sure that I understand the meaning behind the faceless soldiers in the background. The pouty pair contrast greatly next to the soldiers who only seem to be there to do the models bidding, as well as hold their bags.

Lindsay Lohan a Thief?? British Police Seem To Think So

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:21:00 +0000

The star we affectionately call LiLo posed for British Elle with a £250,000 custom-made Dior necklace and earring set. That's $411,480 big ones. Somehow these pieces went missing and many are pointing fingers at Miss Lohan.

To Lindsay's defense, it did take Elle staffers two days to report the missing jewels. Hard to believe that they would allow for those gems out of their sights for a couple minutes let alone a few days. Although I don't know if you remember, but Linsday has had some trouble with sticky fingers before, once snagging a few accessories and dresses from a photo shoot. And what about that $11,000 fur coat that happened to come into her possession after a night out on the town in NYC. So who knows? Anything is possible.

Elle doesn't seem to think that LiLo is guilty. A spokeswoman for ELLE gave this statement:

"I can confirm on behalf of ELLE magazine that items of jewelry went missing from an ELLE photo shoot two weeks ago and the matter is now being investigated by the police. ELLE has no reason to believe that Lindsay Lohan was in any way responsible and has no further comment to make."

Lindsay's rep says that she is 'happy to co-operate' with the investigation. As for being 'happy,'
it is highly doubtful.

Scarlet Johansson is the new face of Mango

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:42:00 +0000

Not only have Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz shared the spotlight in the Woody Allen film Vicky Christina Barcelona, but now they are sharing the spotlight from the Mango collection. Well not sharing exactly. Scarlett is taking over Penelope's old job as the 'face' of Mango featuring in the Fall 09/ Winter 10 campaign. Penelope designed for the Spanish label, however Scarlett will not be following in her footsteps.

A spokesperson for Mango tells WWD that Johansson is an "extraordinary personality, fun, young" and adding, "She's Mango's ideal urban woman, independent and cosmopolitan."

The photographs taken for the campaign (shown above) were taken by photographer Mario Sorrenti.

Related stories:
Penelope Cruz - Mango 2008 Spring Summer Collection
Penelope and Monica Cruz Design For Mango

Plaid Done Right

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Stars like Linsay Lohan really made plaid popular. You can pair a plaid dress with your favorite skinny jeans or layer one of your plaid shirts under a cardigan to create some color in your outfit. Below are a few pieces that I found for a pretty reasonable price.

Plaid Shirts

Forever 21 - Tuxedo Ruffle Plaid Shirt

$17.80

Forever 21 - Buffalo Plaid Shirt
$17.80

Dresses

French Connection - Chatussa Check Dress
$129.99

Plaid Outerwear

Delia's - Stephie Plaid Bomber
$79.50

WEZC - Rosali Plaid Hooded Coat in Black
$149.00

Delia's Gia Toggle Coat
$59.50

Gap Plaid Belted Coat
$39.99

J. Crew Inspirations For The First Family

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:26:00 +0000

J. Crew. Above is a screen shot from the J. Crew website. They are very proud of designing the various looks for the First Family. So proud in fact they will be featuring the children's designs in their next fall campaign. Something tells me that the campaign will be very lucrative.
Malia and Sasha look absolutely adorable in their outfits -- the colors, the bows, everything expresses cuteness. Malia wore periwinkle blue and Sasha wore pink with orange accessories.

The outfit that J. Crew created for Michelle, she wore during the Kid's Inaugural concert. One thing is certain, the Obama family loves to dress up in color.

Michelle Obama's Inaugural Dress - Isabel Toledo

noreply@blogger.com (Elena) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:11:00 +0000

When Michelle Obama stepped out in her Isabel Toledo designed coat and sheath dress I smiled. The color was noteworthy and Mrs. Obama looked stunning, but most importantly confident. Whether intentional or not Mrs. Obama stood out amongst the crowd of neutrals. After all, it seems too coincidental to choose such a bright and hopeful color by chance. Either way she was on the mark. Naturally there are some skeptics of the Toledo design but it serves it's purpose. She looked sophisticated, as the First Lady should, and she was confident and capable of supporting her husband as he got sworn in as the United State's 44th President.

On closer look the coat has intricate detail that most lenses cannot capture. The fabric was a Swiss wool lace. Isabel Toledo named the yellow toned color, lemongrass, appropriately so, seeing as the confusion as to whether the dress was in fact yellow or green. Depending on the camera angles and the quality of photographs taken, the dress seemed yellow or a faint green.

Some bloggers felt that the First Lady appeared a bit matronly in this ensemble but I would beg to differ. I agree there is a fine line, especially when you wear such heavy fabrics and brocade, but Michelle knows how to look fresh. If the color had been a tan or another neutral she would have tipped the scales towards matronly, however she wisely chose a bright color and brighter accessories.
The First Lady wore Jimmy Choo 'Glacier' pumps in a deep green to accompany the lemongrass ensemble. She also wore a pair of green J. Crew Gloves.

Dr. Jill Biden has not been getting as much attention as the First Lady however she also looks great in her red coat.