Fashionably Speaking...

“Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty that is attractive without zest."

~Christian Dior, French fashion designer

Photo:www.timelinefashion.de/bilder/dior-1.gif

Who Rocked It?

Music, movies and fashion. Madonna and Jennifer Lopez have a lot in common including taste in clothes. Both ladies slipped into this Givenchy dress with the epitome of statement necklaces. Madonna wore hers with over the knee boots. J. Lo paired hers with gold strappy sandals and showed lots of leg. Both ladies wore it well, but who rocked it?

Photo: people.com

Fabulously Pushing 40

In the world of modeling your shelf life is about ten years... if you're lucky. The exception to that rule is Naomi Campbell! This fashion diva is arguably an icon in the industry. Phone throwing, mid-air temper tantrums aside you can't really argue the faboulousness that is Naomi Campbell. Can you believe she's pushing forty and still working the runway? Let's just take a moment to focus on her fierceness...

Just F-I-E-R-C-E!

Sexy has a Scent

Academy Award winning actress, Halle Berry has been called the world's most beautiful woman over and over again. As a result, many women want to be her and men just want her. Ladies, would you settle for smelling like her? The new mom has been working on her signature scent for two years. The new fragrance is called Halle by Halle Berry. The actress describes the labor of love as something sensual that women will adore and men will notice. So what does it smell like?After testing numerous fragrance combinations, she settled on a combination of fig and mimosa notes. It will be released in select stores in March. Recession-istas rejoice - it will sell for just $17 to $35. Pretty reasonable for a Hollywood superstar!

Photo:essence

Fashionably Speaking...

"Fashion is made to become unfashionable."

Coco Chanel ~ French fashion designer

Photo:frillr.com

Frosty Chic

As the season has definitely changed in some parts of this country. Can you say snowstorm in Colorado!? I have been making the rounds looking for a chic way to stay warm. This Via Spiga belted peacoat will definitely do the trick! I'm already a huge fan of peacoats. I have one that I pull out ever year. It never goes out of style. That's why I love it. This particular coat adds a little more style with the belted look. The winter white color keeps it oh-so-chic.

Photo: bluefly

Holiday Hook Up

It's been said that people will be cutting back on holiday shopping - BIG time! If you will be making the trek out to pick up a few things you may want to put this sale in your berry. It's right on time for some holiday shopping on a budget. Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash is coming back to the Los Angeles area. Mark you calendars! It's November twenty-third at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica. Get up to eighty, yes, EIGHTY percent off of designer name brand jeans, jewelry, clothing and handbags. You'll be able to take care of most everybody on your list. Marc Jacobs, True Religion, J Brand and Diane von Furstenberg have all been featured in the past. Expect this one to be good! Go to sassycitychicks.com to get tickets. They are only three dollars for general admission! If you want to roll VIP, and get a gift bag and some extra perks, those tickets are twenty dollars. If you get them in advance, they are two for one. So drag a friend with you. Maybe I'll see you there!

Logo: sassycitychicks.com

Would You Wear It?

There are those who follow trends and there are those who start them. My guess is Paris Hilton is trying to be a trend starter in these shoes. I'm usually all about something a little different, risky even. Even though these are Christian Louboutin designs. I have to say, these shoes don't really do it for me. I'm not sure why. It could be the dress that she decided to pair with them. I'm not sure. Maybe, I have an aversion to prison stripes. Whatever the motivation for Paris, in this case, I'm going to have to let her rock this trend all by herself. Would you wear them?

Photo: People.com

Who Rocked It?

Fashion editirix Nina Garcia wore this RM by Roland Mouret dress out on the town. She paired the chic dress with nude suede peep toe pumps and a metallic bag. Beyonce wore the same dress for a night out in NYC. She paired it with funky metallics, from the shoes to the bag and the cuffs. Both ladies looked good but, who rocked it?

Photo: People.com

ANTM Cycle 11 Episode 9

Cold, cold cold. That’s what ran through my head during the elimination this week on top model. Wow! It was truly a shock to me. What happened, you ask? Well let’s start at the beginning. This week Elina and Marjorie team up to separate themselves from the rest of the girls in the house. Their bond is based on their European background and the issues they have adjusting to American life as immigrants. Fair enough, right? The other girls don’t quite get the big deal and are overall ignored by this new-found bond. It comes off as the girls playing some sort of blame game. Every time they are misunderstood they blame it on their background. In some respects I get it, on the other hand it’s annoying. On to the rest of the show. The girls met up with Ron and Richard Harris, the twins who first appeared in cycle 6 of the show. They teach the girls how to pose with articles of clothing. This led to their challenge. The girls find out that they’ll perform in a fashion show for Nony Tochterman. They don green body suits under the garments so that the green screen effect allows the girls to seem invisible and the garments float in air. With only the clothing being seen, they have to WORK to sell it! The girl who wins this challenge will land a holiday spread in Seventeen magazine. Most girls did well. Our dear Marjorie walked out in her dress without noticing that it had fallen down to her waist. Just a little bit embarrassing for her. On the bright side, her new BFF (Elina) won the challenge and chose Marjorie and Analeigh to join her in the photo spread. Back at the house Joslyn isn’t feeling well and keeps complaining of a cough and nausea. Not a good sign. The girls learn that they will be doing the Cover Girl commercial. Since past contestants have stumbled through the commercial lines, they decide to give the girls the advantage of a teleprompter. Despite being sick and eventually vomiting on set Joslyn gets through the commercial. Her performance, however, was lacking. Following the shoot, the girls head off to panel. During panel, Tyra pulls out a pair of clogs and announces to the girls that they need to be able to walk in anything to be a top model. After the girls struggle in the clogs, some even falling, Tyra announces that the girls will be taking a trip to Amsterdam. All but one of course, because someone is about to be eliminated. The judges like the Cover Girl commercials from Analeigh. Tyra exclaims it’s the best in the history of the show. I agree. They also like Sheena’s performance. It’s Samantha, Marjorie, Josyln, McKey and Elina who fall short in their eyes. The bottom two are Elina and Josyln. Elina is having the same issue she’s had throughout the show, she won’t release control. They judges have a big problem with that as this isn’t the first time they’ve had this critique. As for Joslyn, Tyra is impressed with her for making it through the commercial while being sick and says she couldn’t tell that Joslyn was ill in the shoot. She call her a survivor. She then tells her that since she’s a survivor, she’ll survive this and Tyra hands Elina the final picture. Joslyn is eliminated! Now refer to my opening line. What is up with that? That was cold! I find it odd that a few bad weeks could kill her chances, but telling Elina the same thing from day one, without improvement, doesn’t hurt her chances at all. This was a Top Model shocker and in this case, I don’t like surprises!

Photos:the CW

Yummm... Chocolate!

The peep toe is obviously sticking around for fall... That said, I really want these! These chocolate, suede wedges are from the house of Chloe. It's describe as an ankle boot, but seems more like a fall sandal. In any case, I'm sold. The chocolate is so deep and rich. The wedge makes for a beyond comfortable heel. The flap detail give it real flair. I guess if you flip the flap up then it "could" be an ankle boot. What do you think?

Photo: Bergdorf Goodman




bergdorf goodman

Be Inpired...

In these um, interesting financial times I stumbled up on something that may actually be worth my dinero. These message bracelets by Cynthia H designs caught my attention. The leather bracelets encase a metal plate that’s engraved with a little inspiration a la words of wisdom. They come in a variation of colors and phrases… my favorite being “Keep the Faith”. Right about now, that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Photos: cynthiahdesigns.com

Feels Good!

Say it with me: texture, texture and texture. That’s one of the buzz words this season. So this bag I crave from Anya Hindmarch is just what the season ordered. It’s a slouchy python bag with a fabulous attitude. It’s perfect for work or a night out. The bag may be slouchy but the details, not so much! The metal detail on the handle, the leather around the name plate and the suede lining all work to together to make this bag a winner. I won’t even mention the price tag… hey, a girl can dream, right?

Photo: Anya Hindmarch

American Invasion

There is an American in Paris and his name is Ralph Lauren! The classic American designer is making his style known in a new Parisian boutique. His store is no doubt making a statement. It’s the world’s largest, free-standing, women’s only shop! He’s gone to Paris to compete with the best of the world’s fashion capital. This isn’t your normal Ralph Lauren store. It’s a 6500 square foot, 3 level shop. Plenty of room for the style giant to display his wares in all of their fabulousness. That fabulousness means don’t expect in Polo logos. What you can expect is a floor dedicated to accessories, a staircase with crystal chandeliers, made to order bags, and an evening wear salon. Parisians take note… the Americans are coming!

Photo: juli b

Fashion Wears a Frown

He once said that Meryl Streep looked like a "gypsy abandoned by a caravan." It's those kinds of statements that gave birth to the red carpet critic. Mr. Blackwell, likely the most well known fashion critic, died today. You may not know Richard Sylvan Selzer, but everyone knew Mr. Blackwell. The premiere fashion critic had Hollywood's elite waiting with bated breath every 2nd Tuesday of January when his worst dressed list was released. The critic started as an actor and turned to fashion once the acting career stalled. He made a name for himself not with his own designs but, his scathing remarks about celebs on the red carpet. His first list was published in 1960. Believe it or not, he didn't like the public perception that he was mean. He saw it as his duty to critique celeb style because he thought fashion designers weren't doing their jobs. Their job as he saw it was to make women look beautiful. Hollywood starlets, feel free to roam the streets in your ugliest frocks yet. Do it for Mr. Blackwell.

Photo:dlisted.com

Fashionably Speaking...

“It pains me physically to see a woman victimized, rendered pathetic, by fashion."

Yves Saint Laurent ~ French Designer, Fashion Icon

Photo: isaaclikes.com

Who Rocked It?

Is it a dress, shorts, or a sheet? That Marc Jacobs is one crazy designer. This get-up is one for the eyes. It has a few layers working for it and a nice flow. I think it's pretty creative in a "why didn't I think of that kind of way". Both Victoria Beckham and Lydia rocked the look to events. Who rocked it?

Photo:People.com

ANTM Cycle 11, Episode 8

This is the in case you missed it, review episode. Touting never before seen footage. So what is it we haven't seen, you ask? Elina gets upset when Clark goes home. Apparently, she was really crushing on the girl. It's revealed that Britney and Isis had some sort of close sisterly relationship. I could see that. Isis was cool and laid back from what I could tell and easy to like. We see Nikeysha getting her rhyme on in the hot tub. Sheena who's known as the hooch gets on McKey's case about being too butch and not girly enough. Interesting. Speaking of McKey, she seems to be the cook of the house and Clark is skeptical. Clark thinks McKey is out to make all the girls fat. Yep, I'm sure it's all a part of her evil master plan. We see Sheena freak out over her hair during the makeover. Her hair literally fell out. Hannah keeps Alaskan pixie dust in her room. Not sure what that is…but maybe that shouldn't have been revealed. I thought Hannah was pretty normal. Naïve and annoying but, normal. This pixie dust thing puts a new spin on the situation. Elina the ice queen calls Isis a possessed Hyena and tells her she need a bucket of makeup on her face. This was interesting… there were a lot of shared baths going on in the house. Lauren, Clark and Samantha all shared bath time. Marjorie and Analiegh also get in on the bath time action. Um, these are "grown" women, right? Why are they sharing bath water? Ugh! The girls also get attacked by a bee.McKey tries to save the bee and the girls laugh at her. In a creepy moment, she responds "all serial killers start by killing something small". Huh?

Photo:CW

Recession - ista

I have good news and I have bad news. The good news, your inner recession-ista his about to make a grand appearance. That is, if you live in California or Nevada . Budget-friendly retailer H&M just got friendlier. The source for must have trends has a new offer for those of us on the west coast. For every 50 dollars you spend you get 10 dollars off! That’s a pretty sweet deal considering how much you can get for 50 dollars at H&M! And that includes sale items! Now you really can’t beat that! We’re talking scarves, sweaters, pants and jackets! All the staples you need for the fall/winter seasons. Now for the bad news, this deal is only good for this Thursday October 16th through Sunday, October 19th! Unlike the recession this thing has an end date.

Logo: trend911.com

Chi-Town Shopping!

My husband and I just returned from a mid-western jaunt to see some family. We made a stop in the Windy City – it wasn’t long enough! If you’ll be in Chicago you may want to check this out. Chicago Shop Walk offers guided neighborhood tours of some of the city’s finest boutiques. It’s a unique idea and I wish I had known about it while I was there. Some of the tours are themed. The Bachelorette bustier tour is all about the bride to be and takes ladies on a tour of boutiques with special bridal incentives. There is also VIP treatment at a spa and a stop at a café or wine bar. Did I mention it also includes a personal shopping stylist? Kinda sounds like a traveling bridal shower or bachelorette party depending on how much you consume at that wine bar. That’s just one of the tours. Check out the site for more unique shopping experiences. Chicagoshopwalk.com

Slam-O the Camo?

I'm all for being down with the troops. I'm as patriotic as the next girl, I promise. That being said, when one of my fave shoe designers added camo to the mix... I was speechless. While I am a big fan of any and all things Manolo I'm not sure about this shoe. Odd thing is the more I stare at it, the more I can see myself rocking it. I guess that's the point of camouflage... somehow it just blends in. I think I may actually like these now... how's that for flip-flopping?

Photo:bergdorf goodman

Fashionably Speaking

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary."

~Cecil Beaton, English photographer and fashion designer

Photo:filmreference.com

Who Rocked It?

When it comes to red carpet events Eva Longoria Parker usually goes for a dress. The usual rule is the shorter, the better. This time she opted for a mid-calf lacy number. She glammed it up with a red bow and red peep toe pumps. Newlywed Jewel wore the same Cadile design to an event. She paired it with open toed sandals. Who just looked lovely in lace and who rocked it?

Photo: people.com

ANTM Cycle 11, Episode 7 Recap

On this week's episode of ANTM the girls have to find their signature pose. They have a photo shoot that's coached by none other than Tyra and she helps them discover what poses work best for them. I think just about all the poses look odd. My guess is I'll need so see them in the context of a full on shoot? After the shoot Tyra reveals to the girls that this was actually a challenge and the winner is…. Marjorie. She describes her signature pose as the hunchback of Notre Dame. Interesting. For their next challenge the girls meet up with Mr. Jay at the Orpheum Theater. The concept for the photo shoot is unscripted things that happen behind the scenes and in front of the camera at awards shows. The girls have to act out these scenes. Yep, they have to show some emotion. This challenge seems to have been created just for Elina. She has a hard time letting go and feels the need to be in control of everything, including her emotions. Marjorie poses in the bathroom. She's a model who has to pee and can't get out of her dress. That hunchback pose comes in handy and she nails it! Refer to my prior comment about seeing these poses in context. Samantha stands at the podium as a model who can't read the cue cards because of the spotlight in her face. Lauren Brie is an actress who trips going up the stairs to accept an award. She didn't do so great. Very stiff. McKey is the star whose up for an award and didn't win but must smile for the cameras. I wasn't so sure about her at first but, this girl is beautiful! Sheena must be a starlet whose dress is stepped one. Joslyn is a star who finds out another celebrity is wearing the exact same dress. On a side note: Joslyn on average kinda could be your everyday girl but, put her in front of a camera and this girl is a MODEL! Analeigh is the entertainment reporter with an attitude and she is completely on point! Now for Elina. She had to be a starlet who can't stop crying while accepting and award. She struggles at first and Mr. Jay starts talking to her about what makes her cry and digging up feelings that bring on the waterworks. It was kind of part therapy session, part photo shoot. After this, I'm sure she's got the top spot in panel. Then I'm proven wrong! Marjorie just can't be stopped and gets the top spot at panel. The judges actually question Elina's tears. And she's left confused wondering what more they want from her. I agree with her. The girl has come a long way already. In the bottom two are Lauren Brie and Sheena. In the end Lauren Brie is sent home because her personality doesn't shine through.

Photos: CW

Fashionably Speaking...

"There is time for work, and time for love. That leaves no other time. "

~Coco Chanel, French Fashion Designer

Photo: thenewyorkfashionpost.blogspot.com

french

Who Rocked It?

Purple doesn't work on everyone but both of these ladies looked plum fabulous. The purple pop of color of this Lanvin design is definitely a winner. Iman -the never-aging supermodel -worked it with black tights and pumps. Actress, Natalie Portman kept the legs clean and nude and added a glam clutch. Both ladies wore it well but, who rocked it?

Photo:people.com

ANTM, Cycle 11 Episode 6 Recap

This week on ANTM the girls have a challenge with Paulina. She shows them how to adjust clothing for a photo when the clothing doesn't quite fit. It was pretty interesting. They used everything from water bottles to clips and rubber bands to make the outfits look appropriate. During the challenge, Marjorie's insecurities really came through and she had a mini-breakdown. If this girl would just have an ounce more confidence, she's guaranteed to win this! Samantha also didn't do so hot in this challenge. She altered the outfit so much that it was unrecognizable. Not a good thing. For the next challenge, the girls had to act out "natural" disasters. I say "natural" because one of them was a black out and a car crash. Totally beside the point, so I'll move on. Samantha was a tidal wave and she rocked it out! Marjorie was the other stand out but unfortunately she wouldn't have gotten there without the help of Mr. Jay continuously coaching her along. As for the worst picture…I'd have to go with Lauren Brie and Clark. These two looked like they didn't know where to go with the theme of the picture. So who stays and who goes? Well at the end of the day it was Clark who didn't really impress judges. She didn't seem to be improving and maybe thought being pretty was good enough. Turns out, it's not.

Photos:CW